How Many Trophies Have Barcelona Won Since Lionel Messi Left?

When Lionel Messi left Barcelona in 2021, it marked the end of an era. The legendary forward had been the cornerstone of the club’s success for over 17 years, helping Barcelona achieve numerous victories in La Liga, the Champions League, and various other competitions. However, since Messi’s departure, many have wondered how the club has managed to fare in the world of football without their talismanic player.

While the transition to life without Messi was undoubtedly a challenge, Barcelona’s fortunes have shifted in interesting ways. The question arises: how many trophies have Barcelona managed to win since Messi left? The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might expect, given the club’s fluctuating fortunes and significant changes both on and off the pitch.

The Messi Era: A Glorious Past

Before diving into how Barcelona has fared post-Messi, it’s important to take a quick look at the glory days that defined the club’s success during Messi’s time. Under Messi, Barcelona won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey trophies, and 4 Champions League titles, among other domestic and international honors. The Argentine was instrumental in the club’s offensive play, making them one of the most feared teams in world football.

Messi’s Departure and Barcelona’s Shift

When Messi’s contract expired in the summer of 2021, Barcelona was facing a financial crisis that forced them to let their captain leave. His departure to Paris Saint-Germain was a seismic shift, not only in terms of talent but also in terms of identity for Barcelona. The team, which had been so reliant on Messi’s magic, had to find a way to continue its pursuit of success without its greatest ever player.

The season following Messi’s departure (2021-2022) was a difficult one for Barcelona. They struggled under manager Ronald Koeman, who was dismissed mid-season. The club’s defense was shaky, and their reliance on younger players was apparent. The absence of Messi left a massive void that was impossible to fill immediately.

The Arrival of Xavi Hernandez

Amidst these struggles, Barcelona made a pivotal decision: appointing club legend Xavi Hernandez as head coach. Xavi, who had enjoyed an illustrious playing career at the club, was expected to restore order to the team and rebuild the club’s fortunes. His tactical approach focused on controlling possession, pressing high, and integrating youth players into the first team.

Under Xavi, Barcelona began to show signs of improvement. The team’s style of play became more organized, and their defensive stability improved. Xavi was also quick to inject some new life into the team, promoting young talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati to the forefront.

Barcelona’s First Trophy Post-Messi: The 2022-2023 La Liga Title

Barcelona’s first major trophy after Messi’s departure came in the form of the 2022-2023 La Liga title. Under Xavi’s leadership, Barcelona dominated the Spanish top flight, finishing the season as champions. This victory marked a return to prominence for the club, as they had been struggling to compete for the title in previous seasons. The title was particularly significant because it showed that Barcelona could still win major trophies without Messi, highlighting the importance of a solid team structure and tactical discipline.

The team’s defense was a major highlight of the season, with Gerard Piqué (who was playing his final season) and young star Jules Koundé providing crucial stability. Midfielders like Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi provided the necessary control in the middle of the park. The emergence of Robert Lewandowski, who was brought in as a marquee signing, helped to add a new dimension to the attack.

The Impact of Robert Lewandowski’s Arrival

One of the major signings in Barcelona’s post-Messi era was Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker was brought in from Bayern Munich to fill the void left by Messi’s departure. Lewandowski’s arrival gave Barcelona the goal-scoring consistency they needed to compete at the highest level. His presence in the attack not only helped Barcelona win the La Liga title but also contributed to their deep runs in other competitions.

Barcelona’s Success in the 2023-2024 Season

As of the 2023-2024 season, Barcelona continued to show promise. While they may not have clinched any major titles that season, they reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and secured a top-four finish in La Liga. Their performance in European competitions was encouraging, with Xavi’s team playing an attractive brand of football and demonstrating their ability to compete with Europe’s elite.

The Rise of Young Talent Post-Messi

One of the most exciting developments in Barcelona’s post-Messi era has been the rise of young talent. Players like Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati have blossomed under Xavi’s guidance, becoming key members of the first team. Pedri, in particular, has been a standout, with his ability to dictate the tempo of the game and his vision on the ball earning him comparisons to Messi himself. Gavi’s feisty, tenacious playing style has also made him a fan favorite, while Ansu Fati’s pace and goal-scoring ability continue to make him a dangerous attacking threat.

These young players are seen as the future of Barcelona, and their development will be crucial as the club looks to regain its place among Europe’s elite. With Xavi’s focus on integrating youth into the team, Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, remains a vital part of the club’s long-term strategy.

The Copa del Rey: Another Glimpse of Success

In addition to La Liga success, Barcelona also had a strong showing in the Copa del Rey. In the 2022-2023 season, they managed to lift the prestigious cup, securing a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final. This triumph marked another milestone in Barcelona’s post-Messi era, proving that the club could still claim domestic honors even without their former star.

Challenges and Setbacks Along the Way

Despite these successes, Barcelona has faced its fair share of challenges since Messi’s departure. Financial constraints remain a major issue, and the club continues to navigate the difficult waters of La Liga’s financial fair play regulations. Moreover, their attempts to challenge for the Champions League have been hindered by tough draws and inconsistent performances at times.

In the 2023-2024 season, Barcelona exited the Champions League at the group stage, a disappointing outcome for a club of their stature. The team’s inability to progress in Europe’s premier competition remains a thorn in Xavi’s side, and it’s clear that Barcelona will need to bolster their squad if they are to compete with the best teams in Europe once again.

Looking Ahead: Barcelona’s Future Without Messi

So, what does the future hold for Barcelona as they continue to move forward without Messi? The club’s trajectory suggests that they are well on their way to rebuilding and redefining their identity. The emergence of young talent, coupled with the leadership of Xavi, gives fans hope that Barcelona can return to the top of European football.

The team still faces significant challenges, including financial constraints and the need to strengthen in certain areas. However, if their recent successes are anything to go by, Barcelona’s post-Messi era is shaping up to be one filled with optimism and potential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, since Lionel Messi left Barcelona, the club has managed to secure several major trophies, including the La Liga title in 2022-2023 and the Copa del Rey. The team’s rebuilding process under Xavi has shown promising signs, with young players stepping up to fill the void left by Messi. While the road to returning to their former glory may still be a long one, Barcelona’s recent successes prove that they are more than capable of thriving without their former star.

As Barcelona moves forward, it will be fascinating to see how they continue to evolve and compete at the highest level. The post-Messi era may have begun with uncertainty, but it is now defined by hope, ambition, and the potential for future success.