Lionel Messi, the Argentinian maestro, continues to captivate the world with his extraordinary talent, now dazzling fans in the MLS with Inter Miami. As the 2025 season draws to a close, a recurring question arises: what formation best unlocks Messi's unparalleled potential? Is it a classic setup reminiscent of his Barcelona days, or a more contemporary approach tailored to his evolving skillset and the demands of modern football?

Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, thriving in various formations and positions. In his early years at Barcelona, under Frank Rijkaard, he predominantly played as a right winger in a 4-3-3. However, even then, his role was far from static, as he frequently drifted inside to link up with teammates, showcasing his exceptional dribbling and playmaking abilities.

The Pep Guardiola era marked a turning point, with Messi transitioning into the "False 9" role. This innovative tactical tweak blurred the lines between striker and midfielder, granting Messi the freedom to drop deep, create opportunities, and score goals. This period is widely regarded as Messi's peak, as he dominated games with his intelligence, movement, and uncanny ability to find space. His four consecutive Ballon d'Or wins from 2009 to 2012 serve as a testament to the effectiveness of this system.

Under subsequent managers like Tata Martino and Luis Enrique, Messi continued to adapt. Martino experimented with him as a forward, on the right wing, and even reverted to the False 9. With the arrival of Luis Suárez, Messi returned to the right wing as part of the famed "MSN" trio, but still enjoyed the freedom to roam and influence the game from various positions.

Even as Messi's career has progressed, his adaptability has remained a key asset. In the twilight years at Barcelona, his starting position often depended on the team's overall setup and the players around him. Sometimes he played up front, other times behind the strikers, occasionally as a False 9, and often on the right.

In the Argentinian national team, Messi's role has also varied under different coaches. Diego Maradona deployed him as a forward, while Lionel Scaloni has optimized his role as both a playmaker and a goal scorer.

Now, at Inter Miami, Messi often operates as a deep-lying forward or attacking midfielder, dictating play and orchestrating attacks. His পরিসংখ্যান in the MLS speak volumes: in the 2025 season, he scored 29 goals and provided 19 assists. He was also named to the MLS All-Star Team and won the Golden Shoe.

So, what is Messi's preferred formation in 2025? While he has thrived in various systems, some argue that a formation that allows him to roam freely and exploit spaces between the lines is ideal. This could be a variation of the 4-3-3, with Messi operating as a False 9 or in a free role on the right wing, or even a 4-3-1-2, with Messi as the "enganche" – the hook connecting midfield and attack. Ultimately, the best formation for Messi is one that maximizes his strengths: his dribbling, passing, vision, and goal-scoring ability. It is a system that provides him with the freedom to express his creativity and make a difference in the final third.

Regardless of the specific formation, one thing remains clear: Lionel Messi's genius transcends tactical systems. His intelligence, adaptability, and unparalleled skill allow him to shine in any setup, making him a timeless icon of the beautiful game.