Lionel Messi

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Lionel Messi
Professional Footballer
Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team
Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team


Personal Details
Born24 June 1987
Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
NationalityArgentine
Career & Education
OccupationProfessional Footballer
EducationFC Barcelona youth academy
Alma MaterLa Masia
InstitutionInter Miami CF; FC Barcelona; Argentina national football team
Known ForWinning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, eight Ballon d'Or awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, and numerous domestic and international trophies
Years Active2004–present
Recognition & Links
AwardsEight Ballon d'Or awards; FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2014, 2022); Laureus World Sportsman of the Year (2020, 2023)
WebsiteOfficial Website


Lionel Andrés Messi (born 24 June 1987), commonly known as Lionel Messi or Leo Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer and captains the Argentina national football team. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished footballers in the history of the sport.

Messi has won major domestic, continental and international competitions during a career that has included FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. With Argentina, he won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. He also won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Inter Miami currently lists Messi as its number 10 forward and captain."Leo Messi — Inter Miami CF". Inter Miami CF.

Early life

Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He began playing football at a young age and joined the youth system of Newell's Old Boys in Rosario during his childhood.

At the age of 13, Messi moved to Spain to pursue an opportunity with FC Barcelona. He joined the club's youth academy, La Masia, and progressed through the various youth levels before reaching the senior team. FC Barcelona records that Messi joined the club at age 13 and advanced through Barça C and Barça B before establishing himself in the first team."Leo Messi — FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona.

During his youth, Messi received medical treatment related to a growth hormone deficiency. Barcelona's decision to support his development helped enable his progression through the club's academy.

FC Barcelona career

Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in a friendly against FC Porto on 16 November 2003. He made his official first-team debut against Espanyol on 16 October 2004. He subsequently became an important member of Barcelona's senior squad."Leo Messi — FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona.

His breakthrough came during the 2005–06 season, when he became increasingly involved in Barcelona's first-team success. Following the departure of Ronaldinho in 2008, Messi became the central attacking figure of the team.

During his Barcelona career, Messi won four UEFA Champions League titles, ten La Liga championships, seven Copa del Rey titles and three FIFA Club World Cup titles. FC Barcelona records 35 major trophies won by Messi during his 17 seasons with the first team."A Barça legend". FC Barcelona. 5 August 2021.

Messi also established numerous individual records at Barcelona. He finished his Barcelona career as the club's leading scorer, with 672 official goals, and accumulated 778 appearances for the club."Leo Messi — FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona.

Individual achievements at Barcelona

Messi's Barcelona career produced several individual records. He scored 73 goals in official competitions during the 2011–12 season, which remains one of the highest single-season totals in European club football.

In 2012, Messi scored 91 goals in a calendar year, surpassing the previous record attributed to Gerd Müller. He also became the leading scorer in La Liga and accumulated eight Pichichi Trophy awards as the league's top scorer."Leo Messi — FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona.

Messi won the Ballon d'Or multiple times during his Barcelona career. His achievements also included six European Golden Shoes and multiple UEFA and FIFA individual awards."Leo Messi — FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona.

Argentina national team

Messi has represented Argentina at multiple levels, beginning with the country's youth teams. He helped Argentina win the gold medal in football at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

At senior level, Messi appeared in multiple editions of the FIFA World Cup and Copa América. Argentina reached the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi received the tournament's Golden Ball as its best player. Argentina lost the final to Germany.

In 2021, Messi won his first major senior international trophy with Argentina when the team defeated Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro."Leo Messi — FC Barcelona". FC Barcelona.

2022 FIFA World Cup

One of the most significant achievements of Messi's career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. As captain of Argentina, he led the team through the tournament and scored in the group stage, knockout rounds and final.

Argentina defeated France in the final on penalties after the match ended 3–3 following extra time. Messi scored twice during the match and subsequently converted his penalty in the shootout.

Argentina's victory gave Messi his first senior FIFA World Cup title. He was awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, becoming the first player to win the award twice. His performance at the tournament became a defining achievement of his international career.

Paris Saint-Germain

In 2021, Messi left FC Barcelona after the club announced that it could not register a new contract with him under La Liga's financial regulations. He subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain F.C. on a free transfer.

During his two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi won the Ligue 1 title twice and the Trophée des Champions in 2022. He also continued competing in the UEFA Champions League and represented Argentina during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Inter Miami

In 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. His arrival represented a major international transfer for American soccer and brought increased attention to the club and MLS.

Messi won his first trophy with Inter Miami in August 2023 when the club won the inaugural Leagues Cup. He finished the competition as its leading scorer and received the tournament's Best Player award.

Inter Miami later won the 2024 Supporters' Shield, with Messi contributing to the club's regular-season success. The club also won the 2025 MLS Cup, with Messi remaining a central figure in the team's attack.

Inter Miami's current player profile lists Messi as a forward, number 10 and designated international player."Leo Messi — Inter Miami CF". Inter Miami CF.

Playing style

Messi is primarily known for his left-footed attacking ability, close control, dribbling, passing, vision and finishing. He has played in several attacking positions, including forward, winger and attacking midfielder.

His ability to carry the ball through defensive lines and create scoring opportunities for teammates has been a major feature of his playing style. He has also developed into a prolific free-kick taker and playmaker.

At Barcelona, Messi frequently operated from the right side before moving into central attacking positions. His ability to combine goalscoring with chance creation contributed to his role as both a scorer and a primary creative player.

Ballon d'Or and individual honours

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, the most in the history of the award. His wins came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

He has also won the European Golden Shoe six times and received the FIFA World Player of the Year and The Best FIFA Men's Player awards.

His international achievements include the 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball and Copa América recognition. His combination of club and international honours has made him one of the most decorated players in football history.

Personal life

Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, whom he married in 2017. The couple have three sons.

Messi has also been involved in charitable activities through the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports children and initiatives related to healthcare and education. He has also worked with UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador.

Legacy

Messi's career has been defined by sustained success at club and international level. His records with FC Barcelona, eight Ballon d'Or awards, Olympic gold medal, Copa América titles and 2022 FIFA World Cup victory form a significant part of his sporting legacy.

At Barcelona, he became the club's leading scorer and won 35 major trophies. The club also records him as its most successful player in terms of appearances, goals and titles during his first-team career."A Barça legend". FC Barcelona. 5 August 2021.

As of 2026, Messi continues his professional career with Inter Miami and remains captain of the Argentina national team. Inter Miami lists him on its current senior roster and reports that he was nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or."Leo Messi — Inter Miami CF". Inter Miami CF.

See also

References


External links

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