The 2021/22 summer football transfer window has been a roller coaster ride. The unimaginable unfolded before our eyes. Legends of the game like Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos switched clubs for the first time. On the other hand, young prospects moved for astonishing amounts.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many teams to cut back on their expenses, the summer transfer window of 2021-22 saw some of the clubs break their banks to get their desired player. SportzPoint takes you through the top 5 craziest transfers of the summer transfer window.

#5 Romelo Lukaku (Inter Milan to Chelsea)

Romelo Lukaku made a Chelsea return after an excellent season with Inter Milan. Nobody ever expected Inter Milan to let go Lukaku after the season he had in Italy. The Belgian had an excellent run with Inter winning the Serie A and scoring 28 goals across all competitions.

Although he crashed out of the quarter-finals from the Euro, he had an outstanding season and is one of the top contenders for the Ballon d'Or 2021. However, Inter could not say no when they saw the huge offer from Chelsea. Finally, both the parties agreed on €115m making him one of the costliest transfers ever in the Premier League.

Also Read: Lukaku's agent says the family was subjected to threats over the striker's transfer to Chelsea

#4 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid to PSG)

The man who bleeds Real Madrid and the one who has been there right from the start, Sergio Ramos had to move to PSG after the Los Blancos went against the idea of renewing his contract. It was like a nightmare in the Spanish capital after they came to know Ramos was joining PSG as a free agent.

PSG made headlines after they announced the signing of Sergio Ramos. The French giants are putting everything to get hands-on with the UEFA Champions League trophy. He will join the likes of Hakimi, Wijnaldum, Donnurumma and Messi in the dugout.

#3 Antoine Griezmann (FC Barcelona to Atletico Madrid)

One of the most shocking transfers of the Football transfer window 2021 if not the most shocking is FC Barcelona letting go Griezmann on loan. Barcelona was very keen on keeping the French international but on the deadline day they announced Griezmann is leaving for Atletico Madrid on loan with the Madrid club have an option to buy at €40m.

It was very unexpected for Barcelona as Antoine's salary was one of the reasons they couldn't keep Messi at the club. Moreover, giving a star player to the direct title rivals cost them once the earlier season and now they did the same thing again.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus to Manchester United)

Arguably one of the best players on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo shook the football transfer window after he made a dramatic return to his former club. The English giants' Manchester United signed the 36-year-old Portuguese from Juventus for €20m. Although Manchester City seemed the most likely destination for the forward; United put in a last-minute bid to ensure that Ronaldo doesn't join their rivals.

Manchester United are now looking stronger than ever with Varane, Maguire in the backlines; a combo of Bruno, Pogba, Ronaldo and Sancho upfront. However, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are equally strong if not more to win the Premier League title.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo records for Manchester United

#1 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona to PSG)

Lionel Messi to PSG will go down as one of the most disheartening transfer sagas of all time. People could hardly imagine Lionel Messi in any other colours than the Blaugrana. Although there were many reports of Messi's contract renewal with FC Barcelona, no one could have predicted the end. Messi agreed to a 30% pay cut but it wasn't enough to register his contract because they were still in breach of La Liga's salary regulations.

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona after playing for 17 years in the first team to join PSG has to be the craziest transfer in the summer football transfer window so far. However, Messi has joined a star-packed team and is the most likely team to win the UEFA Champions League.

Lionel Messi has been dropped from the Argentina squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers encounters against Uruguay and Brazil during the March international break.

Lionel Scaloni announced a 26-member squad on March 17th, excluding the World Cup-winning captain., sparking debates among the Albiceleste fans.

However, reports suggested that Messi might have sustained an injury during the Major League Soccer game for Inter Miami, making it impossible for him to attend the national fixture.

Sportz Point breaks down why Lionel Messi will not play against Uruguay and later against Brazil.

Why is Lionel Messi not playing?

The 37-year-old Argentine forward sustained a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle during Inter Miami's MLS encounter against Atalanta United on March 16th, Sunday. 

🚨⚠️ Understand Leo Messi completed a scan in the morning after the game vs Atlanta United last night.

The scan confirmed that Messi suffered from a small muscle injury in the adductor area and he won’t be available to play for Argentina. pic.twitter.com/x7v6kAukyv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2025

Although Lionel Messi opened the scoring and led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory, it has been revealed that he has suffered an injury that might keep him out of international duties.

Inter Miami issued an official statement on March 18th, stating Messi's injury updates. The statement reads:

Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi.

Messi underwent an MRI this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United.

The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.

The Argentina captain himself posted a story on Instagram which contains a photo of him in the national shirt, and he conveyed his disappointment in a short statement.

It's a shame to miss these two very special matches with the national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I wanted to be there, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again left me out. From here, I'll be cheering and supporting you like any other fan. Go Argentina!

These statements confirm that he's not expected to be sidelined for long but will miss the upcoming matches with Uruguay on March 22nd and Brazil on March 26th.

✍️ Lionel Messi makes his own statement on the injury via his Instagram account:

Noteworthy is him saying that the injury is “not significant” but that it will force him to stop playing “for a time.”#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/LtraelUO7G

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) March 17, 2025

When will Messi return to play Argentina?

However, Messi will have to wait until before donning the national crest again. In the June international break, when Argentina will travel to play against Chile on June 4th and will take on Colombia on June 9th.

The Spanish League, or Laliga, is the second most-viewed football league in the world. It is regarded as one of the top five elite European leagues and has legendary clubs. Many football legends played in this league but only a few of them managed to play for a long duration and hold the record of most matches in Laliga. Here is the list of the top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga.

Top 11 players with the most matches in Laliga history:

11. Lionel Messi | FC Barcelona | 520 Matches

One of the greatest players to ever grace this sport, Lionel Messi ranks 11th in the most matches in Laliga history's list with 520 appearances.

The Argentine forward came to Spain at a very young age and played for FC Barcelona since he was a teenager. The Catalan talisman also holds the record for the most goals in Laliga, with 474 strikes.

Read Also: Lionel Messi Stats: Goals in every calendar year by Messi

10. Antoine Griezmann | FC Barcelona, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid | 520 Matches

Antoine Griezmann has now played 520 matches in Laliga, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga history.

The French international has been a pivotal player for both Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, including his short spell in FC Barcelona. Although a player like this has never been crowned with a Laliga title, his dedication to the game has made him one of the greatest players in the league.

Read Also: Most Goals in a La Liga season - Lionel Messi leads the list

9. Manolo Sanchis | Real Madrid CF | 523 Matches

Manolo Sanchis was a Centre-back and represented Real Madrid in 523 matches, making him one of the players with the most matches in Laliga. The legendary defender won the league a total of eight times and also has two Spanish Cups in his cabinet.

8. Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid CF, Sevilla | 536 Matches

Sergio Ramos has made 536 appearances in Laliga, making him the eighth player in this list of the most matches in Laliga history.

The legendary Spanish Centre-back represented Sevilla and then Real Madrid in the competition multiple times. The former Spaniard won four UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

Read Also: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League goals

7. Paco Buyo | Real Madrid, Sevilla, RCD Mallorca, RCD Coruna | 542 Matches

Paco Buyo is one of only two goalkeepers on the list who has played the most matches in Laliga history. He made 542 appearances in Laliga, turning out mostly for Real Madrid. Buyo has a special place in the club's history and won the league title six times with Real Madrid.

6. Eusebio | Real Valladolid, Celta Vigo, FC Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid | 543 Matches

Eusebio is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders, and he played his career's most matches in Laliga. The Spanish midfielder played 543 matches in Laliga, representing four clubs. Eusebio is a FC Barcelona legend, having won four titles with them. He retired from his professional career in 2002 and has since become a manager.

5. Loren Juarros | Real Sociedad, Real Burgos, Athletic Bilbao | 546 Matches

Loren Juarros is a former Spanish footballer and is known for his longevity in Laliga, having played 546 matches in the competition. Primarily a defender, he spent most of his career at Real Sociedad becoming a club legend.

His impressive appearance tally places him among the players with the most matches in Laliga. After retiring, Lorren transitioned into a sporting director role, contributing to Real Sociedad's player recruitment and development plan.

4. Raul | Real Madrid CF | 550 Matches

Raul was one of the most lethal strikers the sport has ever seen. A club legend for Real Madrid, he made over 550 matches and cemented his in the most matches in Laliga history list.

The Spaniard scored 228 goals as well during that time. He won six La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles with the club. Currently, he is the manager of Real Madrid Castilla.

3. Raul Garcia | Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, CA Osasuna | 609 Matches

Raul Garcia has carved his place in football history by becoming one of the players with the most matches in Laliga, totaling an incredible 609 appearances.

The Spanish midfielder is known for his versatility and leadership. He played for CA Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, and Athletic Bilbao, leaving a lasting impact at each club. His longevity and consistency made him a key figure in Spanish football.

2. Andoni Zubizarreta | Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo Alaves, FC Barcelona | 622 Matches

Andoni Zubizarreta made 622 appearances and is the player with the second-most matches in Laliga. The Goalkeeper extensively for Athletic Bilbao, Valencia, Deportivo Alaves, and FC Barcelona.

He won the league a total of six times, four with FC Barcelona and two with Athletic Bilbao. Zubizarreta retired from the sport in 1998. 

1. Joaquin | Real Betis, Malaga CF, and Valencia | 622 Matches

Joaquin holds the record for the most matches in Laliga, with 622 appearances throughout his career. The Spanish winger, known for his time at Real Betis, Valencia, and Malaga CF, surpassed the previous record of 622 matches held by Andoni Zubizarreta.

The UEFA Nations League 2024-25 quarterfinals are knocking on the door, as Portugal have announced their squad to face Denmark in the quarterfinals.

UEFA Nations League is back this month 🙌#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/SKgvtiu5NO

— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) March 1, 2025

Sporting CP's teenage striker Geovany Quenda has also earned a callup for the first time. Coach Roberto Martinez said about Geovany Quenda, "At 17, being in the National team shows his potential."

After a long absence, defender Ruben Dias has returned to the Portuguese national squad for its upcoming knockout tie against Denmark.

Expectedly, this list includes stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Rui Silva, Diogo Costa. On the other hand, some of the rising stars like Geovany Quenda and Joao Neves will power the squad depth for the 2019 Europa League winners.

Portugal announces their 26-man squad

Os 𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗛𝗜𝗗𝗢𝗦 para lutar por um lugar na Final Four da Liga das Nações! 📜🏆 #FazHistória pic.twitter.com/IHMcJUqHIm

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) March 14, 2025

Goalkeepers:

• Diego Costa (FC Porto)
• Rui Silva (Sporting Cp)
• Jose Sa (Wolverhampton)

Defenders:

• Diego Dalot (Manchester United)
• Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton)
• Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint Germain)
• Nuno Tavares (Lazio)
• Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Cp)
• Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
• Antonio Silva (SL Benfica)
• Renato Veiga (Juventus)

Midfielders:

• Joao Palihinha (Bayern Munich)
• Joao Neves (Paris Saint Germain)
• Ruben Neves (Al-hilal)
• Vitinha (Paris Saint Germain)
• Bernando Silva (Manchester City)
• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Forward:

• Joao Felix (AC Milan)
• Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP)
• Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)
• Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
• Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP)
• Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
• Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
• Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint Germain)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)

Match Info

Portugal will face Denmark in a two-legged matchup in the UEFA Nations League Quarter-finals. The first leg will be hosted in Copenhagen, and the return leg will be at home for Portugal, set to take place in Lisbon.

The first leg is scheduled to be played on March 21st, whereas the return leg will be played on March 24th, 2025.

The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, boasting the best talent from around the globe. Over the years, African players have made a significant impact on Europe's elite competition, with many of them showcasing their skills but also finding the back of the net consistently.

From legendary strikers to dynamic wingers, this article highlights the top 10 African players with the most goals in Champions League history, celebrating their remarkable achievements on the grandest stage of European football.

10 most successful African Players with most goals in the UEFA Champions League:

10. Sebastian Haller| 12 Goals | Ivory Coast:

While the Ivorian found the net just 10 times in 48 games for the Hammers, he experienced a career revival at Ajax, netting an impressive 32 times in 50 games. Sebastian Haller made his Champions League debut in the 2021-22 season, scoring in his first seven games in the competition, including four in his debut against Ruben Amorim’s Sporting. Haller scored just one more UEFA Champions League goal and was given just 10 minutes in the German side’s 2024 final defeat to Real Madrid.

9. Rabah Madjer | Algeria | 12 Goals:

Madjer is considered one of the best players in the history of Algerian football and shot to renown as a Porto player in the 1980s. He scored six goals on Porto’s first UEFA Champions League winning run, including the equalizer against Bayern Munich in the final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. Madjer retired in 1992 and twice managed his home country, having played in their first ever World Cup in 1982.

8. Vincent Aboubakar | 14 Goals | Cameroon: 

Aboubakar made his UEFA Champions League debut in 2014 with Porto, scoring a goal in a 6-0 thrashing of BATE Borisov. He came back with a goal in the return fixture at home to Shakhtar and scored his first knockout goal against Basel but was an unused substitute in both quarter-final legs against Bayern Munich, including the 6-1 defeat that sent Porto out.

In the next two seasons, one spent at Porto and the other at Besiktas, Aboubakar netted six times but failed to get out of the group stage. He scored his final Champions League goals in 2017 with a brace against Monaco but was injured for the last 16 tie against Liverpool, a 5-0 defeat at the Estádio do Dragao.

7. Seydou Doumbia | 15 Goals | Ivory Coast:

Doumbia scored 15 UEFA Champions League goals in 31 games for three different clubs in his career. He moved to Basel in 2016, scoring just once in six games before ending his European run at Sporting in the 2017-18 season. He made his debut with CSKA Moscow, scoring five times in the 2011-12 season, but never hit that height again.

6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Gabon | 17 Goals:

 Aubameyang primarily scored his goals with Dortmund, he managed just two for Chelsea, but Gabon’s all-time top scorer never made it past the UEFA Champions League quarter finals having twice exited at that stage in 2014 and 2017. Aubameyang is, however, the all-time top goal scorer in Europa League history, netting 34 times in 62 games.

5. Riyad Mahrez | Algeria | 20 Goals:

Riyad Mahrez kicked things off with two goals in Leicester’s opening group match against Brugge before finding the net two more times ahead of the knockouts. He played every minute of Leicester’s knockout run but could only manage a single assist in that time. 

In the 2020-21 season, Mahrez was a crucial player on Manchester City’s run, scoring in the quarters before three goals against PSG in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. However, he could not find the net as City lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the final. By the time of the 2023 win, Mahrez had fallen down the City pecking order and stayed on the bench for the whole of the 1-0 win against Inter.

4. Sadio Mane | Senegal | 27 Goals:

The 2019 and 2022 African Player of the Year Mane was a talisman in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool rebuild. Joining in 2016, Mane along with Salah and Roberto Firmino combined to be a lethal front three with the Senegalese player scoring 10 goals in the 17-18 UEFA Champions League season, a figure only beaten by his team-mates and Cristiano Ronaldo. Moving to Bayern Munich in 2022, Mane struggled to replicate his Liverpool form but still scored three goals in the group stages before departing for Al-Nassr in 2023.

3. Samuel Eto'o | Cameroon | 30 Goals:

The four-time African player of the year winner, a figure only matched by Yaya Toure, scored most of his UEFA Champions League goals for Barcelona including six in their 2005-06 triumph and four in the 2008-09 win under Pep Guardiola. Moving to Inter in 2009, Eto’o became the fourth player in history to win back-to-back Champions Leagues at different clubs and played every game in the Jose Mourinho-masterminded run. Still considered by many to be the best African player of all-time, Samuel Eto’o was a deadly mix of pace and clinical finishing.

2. Didier Drogba | Ivory Coast | 44 Goals:

With 10 goals in 10 finals, the Ivorian was the man for the big occasion, and he made his UEFA Champions League debut with Marseille in 2003, scoring five goals in six games. Getting his move to Chelsea the following season, Drogba hit the same number in the 2004-05 campaign but managed just one goal in seven appearances the next year. 

He scored twice in the 2008 semi-final to set up a clash against rivals Manchester United, but a John Terry slip in a rain-soaked Moscow denied Chelsea their first UEFA Champions League title. But that success would come in 2012 with Drogba playing a starring role in the final.

1. Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 50 Goals:

Considering he scored just three goals in his first 15 UEFA Champions League appearances, betting on Mohamed Salah to one day become the leading African goal-scorer would have seemed a waste of money back in 2016. Famously a second choice of Klopp – the German preferred Julian Brandt – Salah hit 10 goals in his first UEFA Champions League season at Anfield, propelling Liverpool to their first final since 2007 but an early injury caused by Sergio Ramos forced him to the sideline as Real Madrid won 3-1 in Kyiv.

Lionel Messi has been ruling the football world with with an amazing career that has earned him multiple honors, including eight Ballon d’Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, ten La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League wins, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

The Argentine superstar is still with his childhood club Barcelona. Although he has not changed clubs in his football career, this football magician has changed his hairstyle many times. Along with his brilliant footballing abilities, his haircuts have always been the epitome of discussion. 

So let's take a look at some of the best Lionel Messi hairstyles.

Iconic Lionel Messi hairstyles | Top 15 list

15. Taper Fade with Crew Cut

Messi's taper fade is a bit more prominent here than in other images, perhaps because it does not start until his temple area. 

This is the haircut Messi looks his best in, simply because it complements his face shape and bone structure the best. 

A well-shaped beard framed the jaw and make it appear more square, while tall and tight haircuts elongated the face and made it appear less round.

14. Blonde Quiff with Tapered Sides

Lionel Messi may not be rocking this cool hair color anymore, but it is still one of the best Lionel Messi hairstyles we've seen from him over the years.

Moreover, snowy-white, cold, platinum-blonde shades have been extremely popular for the last couple of years. Especially, when paired with a thick beard and dark natural roots.

Messi normally sports his natural hair color, a dark chocolate brown on the field, but by the look in this photo, the platinum vibe gave him all sorts of good luck too.

13. Messy Bangs

This look from Leo Messi is a signature footballer haircut. You've got the short sides and long layers on top, finished off by the messy (pun-intended) curtain bangs. 

It's a cool haircut for athletes because it can be left unstyled and won't create distraction around the face. But, if you add a few products to the bangs, like hair wax and gel, you can get an easy, slicked-back look.

12. Messy Long Hair

As Messi grew older, his playing style evolved, and so did his hairstyle. From the rough and untamed haircuts of his teenage years to the more polished and considered looks of his maturity, Lionel Messi hairstyles became a reflection of his evolving personality and confidence. 

During the early years of his senior career, we witnessed Messi experiment with longer hair, embracing a bit of untidiness and rebellion, perhaps mirroring his emerging superstar status.

11. Short Pompadour

Messi bounces back and forth from clean-shaved to bearded, and this is one of the best hairstyles to go with if you also tend to experiment with your facial hair. It is long enough to frame the face but short enough to look presentable.

This Lionel Messi Haircut is a great option for men of all ages, too. We've seen guys pull of haircuts like these from fifteen years old to sixty years old.

10. Modern Mullet with Middle Part

Have you checked out old young Messi haircuts? This will come as a huge déjà vu moment. If you are a Messi fan, you must check out this young haircut pic of the legend, with mid-parted hair and wavy shoulder length brushed up hair.

It is lovely, smart yet unique and vintage with vibrant vibes. This is a timeless haircut if you would love to check it out. It suits men with huge foreheads or those with thick hair.

9. Quiff with Mid Taper Fade and Highlights

Another simple yet unique and charming haircut of Messi that we loved the most. He has combined the mullet-quiff look with blonde colour and brushed-up style to bring seamless and vibrant vibes. It is youthful, hot and perfect to exude the timeless look too.

Men who love to have a modern and contemporary haircut yet new and experimental can try this out. This hairstyle needs fine and straight hair too.

8. Short Mullet with Choppy Fringe

Not many often see mullet and choppy fringe going together. But our Messi has an eye for glam quotient, and when he turned up with a short mullet with choppy fringe, the world was shocked.

However, we love how simple, minimal, yet stylish this haircut is. This is perfect for those who would prefer a comfy hairstyle. 

7. Mid Fade

After his platinum days, Messi went back to his natural hair color and has been wearing a version of this haircut ever since. Here, he's got a mid fade and medium-length haircut with quite a bit of volume on top.

Messi was blessed with thick, coarse, and straight hair, meaning he can get away with not adding products or using a minimal amount of products for styling.

6. Short Sides Long Top

This is another classic Messi haircut, that's somewhere between a pompadour and a quiff. Both hairstyles require a bit more structure than Messi is working within this image, but he could easily achieve them by styling them back, rather than leaving it spiked to the front.

Any hair type and face shape can pull off this Messi haircut because it does not require much volume or styling. 

5. Brushed Back Long Hair with Headband

Messi would often secure his youthful brushed-back style with a headband to keep his long hair under control. The hairband keeps the front sections in place and away from the eyes to minimize distraction.

Messi keeps the length relatively uniform but weaves light layers through his locks for dimension and effortless movement.

4. Dyed Blonde Hair

Messi shocked fans in 2016 when he dyed his hair bright blonde for the Copa America tournament. This bold, bleached look commanded attention as it contrasted heavily against his dark roots and full, orange-tinged beard.

The cut featured light layers that were expertly point-cut for extra dimension and movement, letting the breeze whip through his locks as he zipped around the pitch.

3. Full Beard

Along with a textured top, Messi rocked a handsome full beard during the UEFA Champions League game against Olympiacos. The beard was carefully groomed and connected to his sides for a seamless, blended appearance.

A dash of pomade through the front and crown gave the locks texture that worked against the clean, buzzed sides for a multi-dimensional finish.

2. Voluminous Comb Over with Low Taper

Messi’s voluminous, debonair comb over looked chic on and off the pitch. Chocolate brown strands give the hair subtle dimension, offering a modern appearance that blends with the player’s full beard.

The low taper provides visual contrast against the clean-cut top that pulls the style together. This combination makes Messi’s eyes and jawline the stars of the show.

1. Mid Taper Fade on the Sides and Back

Messi’s World Cup 2022 haircut was a mid taper fade on the sides and back with thick volume on top and a spiky fringe. The Argentinian superstar brought his talent, leadership and impeccable style to the tournament.

The trimmed beard effortlessly blended into the tight taper, creating incredible contrast. To copy his style, use a strong-hold pomade or gel to keep your hair up during soccer games.