2012 Barcelona Away – Lionel Messi #10 Small

The 2011/12 season was one of brilliance mixed with heartbreak for FC Barcelona, marking the final campaign under Pep Guardiola, whose four-year reign transformed world football. Despite falling short in Europe and La Liga, Barça still produced moments of breathtaking football — led by Lionel Messi’s record-breaking performances.

• La Liga:

  • 2nd place, finishing with 91 points, four behind Real Madrid (100).

  • Scored 114 goals, the highest in the league, but inconsistency late in the season cost them the title.

• Copa del Rey:

  • Winners, defeating Athletic Bilbao 3–0 in the final.

  • Messi scored and assisted in the final — a fitting farewell gift for Guardiola.

• UEFA Champions League:

  • Eliminated in the semifinals by Chelsea (3–2 on aggregate).

  • Messi hit the bar from a penalty in the second leg, one of the few low points in a phenomenal season.

• FIFA Club World Cup & Super Cups:

  • Winners of both, adding two more trophies early in the season.

  • Defeated Santos 4–0 in the Club World Cup Final with Messi scoring twice — a masterclass performance.

• Key Storyline:

  • Guardiola’s tactical genius continued to evolve the game — deploying Messi as a “false nine” in his purest form.

  • The season was emotionally charged, as Guardiola announced his departure in April 2012 after four historic years, handing the reins to Tito Vilanova.

• Kit:
  The 2011/12 Barcelona away jersey, designed by Nike, featured a striking two-tone orange and yellow gradient — symbolizing the Catalan sunset and national pride. It was one of Barça’s boldest designs ever and became iconic due to Messi’s record-breaking performances while wearing it.

2. Player’s Impact – Lionel Messi (2011/12)

The 2011/12 season was arguably the greatest individual season in football history. Lionel Messi reached levels of consistency, dominance, and artistry never seen before, breaking records seemingly every week.

• Appearances: 60 matches in all competitions.

• Statistics: 73 goals and 29 assists — both all-time records in a single European season.

  • La Liga: 50 goals and 16 assists (Pichichi winner).

  • Champions League: 14 goals (Top Scorer).

  • Copa del Rey: 3 goals, including one in the final.

• Key Moments:

  • Scored 5 goals in a single Champions League match vs. Bayer Leverkusen — a record still unmatched.

  • Netted 4 goals against Arsenal and Valencia in consecutive games.

  • Surpassed Gerd Müller’s 39-year-old record for goals in a European season.

  • Became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer (at just 24 years old).

• Role: Operated as a false nine, dictating play, assisting teammates, and finishing moves with unmatched precision.

• Legacy:

  • 2011/12 is widely regarded as the peak Messi season.

  • His influence extended beyond numbers — he was the tactical and emotional focal point of Guardiola’s masterpiece.

  • The campaign solidified Messi as not just the best of his generation but perhaps the greatest ever.

3. Full Squad List – FC Barcelona 2011/12

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Goalkeepers:

• Víctor Valdés

• José Manuel Pinto

Defenders:

• Dani Alves

• Gerard Piqué

• Carles Puyol (Captain)

• Eric Abidal

• Adriano

• Javier Mascherano

• Marc Bartra

Midfielders:

• Xavi Hernández

• Andrés Iniesta

• Sergio Busquets

• Thiago Alcântara

• Seydou Keita

• Cesc Fàbregas

• Jonathan dos Santos

Forwards:

• Lionel Messi

• Pedro Rodríguez

• Alexis Sánchez

• David Villa (injured second half of the season)

• Cristian Tello

• Isaac Cuenca