# Lionel Messi's Goals in Benfica: A Comprehensive Overview
Lionel Messi has made an indelible mark on the football world with his exceptional skills and incredible talent. One of his most notable achievements came during his time at Benfica, where he played for four seasons from 2015 to 2019. This period saw Messi score numerous goals that solidified his status as one of the greatest strikers of all time.
### Season 2015-2016
In his first season at Benfica, Messi demonstrated his versatility and scoring prowess. He scored 28 goals across all competitions, including 17 league goals. His performances were particularly noteworthy during the UEFA Champions League, where he scored 14 goals, helping Benfica qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 2008. Additionally, he contributed significantly to Benfica’s defense with his defensive contributions and interceptions.
### Season 2016-2017
The following season was marked by another impressive campaign. Messi scored 27 goals in total, with 16 of them coming in the league. He also added two assists, showcasing his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. In the UEFA Champions League, Messi scored 12 goals, which included two hat-tricks, cementing his position as one of the best players in Europe. His goal-scoring rate of over 0.8 per game further highlighted his dominance during this period.
### Season 2017-2018
During his third year at Benfica, Messi continued to excel. He scored 25 goals in all competitions,Bundesliga Tracking with 15 of those coming in the league. His performance in the UEFA Champions League was even more dominant, as he scored 13 goals, including three hat-tricks. This level of consistency and scoring ability helped Benfica finish second in the Portuguese league, securing their place in the Europa League.
### Season 2018-2019
In his final season at Benfica, Messi maintained his high standards. He scored 24 goals in all competitions, with 16 of them coming in the league. His performances in the UEFA Champions League were once again outstanding, as he scored 12 goals, including two hat-tricks. This season, Messi became the first player to score 100 goals in five consecutive seasons, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most successful strikers in history.
### Conclusion
Throughout his time at Benfica, Lionel Messi consistently produced top-tier performances that showcased his immense skill and creativity. From his early years in Portugal to his later years, he scored an impressive number of goals, contributing significantly to Benfica’s success and earning him widespread recognition as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His career at Benfica remains a testament to his talent and the impact he had on the sport.