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#3 2008/09 Breakthrough and Treble
Messi's first step towards greatness was made during the 2008/09 season: his first year with Pep Guardiola.
With Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry as his attacking crew, the 21-year-old Messi excelled during the 2008/09 season, especially against Real Madrid.
Messi saw La Casa Blanca twice in the Spanish League and scored three goals to lead Barcelona's two victories versus their main rivals.
In the Spanish League, Argentina's great scored 23 goals and assisted 13 times in 33 games. Even though Eto'o (30 goals) and Henry (19) had great numbers as well, Messi was Barcelona's most dynamic offensive weapon.
Messi scored one goal versus Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final. Barcelona won the match with a comfortable 4-1 scoreline.
Messi was the top goalscorer in the Champions League with 9 goals, including four in the knockout stage, and his header versus Manchester United in the final at Rome put the game out of reach and completed Barcelona's first treble in their history. Messi won his first Ballon d'Or in 2009 after putting up 38 goals and 17 assists in the 2008/09 season with Barcelona.
