India, Dec. 5 -- Argentine icon Lionel Messi has reiterated that he pays little attention to numbers or personal milestones, insisting that statistics have never driven his game. What matters to him, he says, is influencing play, staying involved, and doing whatever it takes to steer his team toward victory. Despite that modest stance, Messi's career continues to be defined by unprecedented achievement. The 38-year-old is the most decorated footballer in history, with 47 major trophies for club and country, and he is closing in on the extraordinary mark of 900 career goals. He also holds the all-time record for assists with 405.

Having swept up every major honour during his Barcelona era, Messi completed his international trophy cabinet ...