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	{{Biography		{{Biography
	\| person_name = Lionel Messi		\| person_name = Lionel Messi
	\| portrait_image = ~~Lionel_Messi~~.jpg		\| portrait_image = 362829dhf3.jpg
	\| image_caption = Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team		\| image_caption = Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team
	\| title_or_role = Professional Footballer		\| title_or_role = Professional Footballer

Sub-Admin: Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Lionel Messi | portrait_image = Lionel_Messi.jpg | image_caption = Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team | title_or_role = Professional Footballer | birth_date = 24 June 1987 | birth_place = Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina | nationality = Argentine | occupation = Professional Footballer | education = FC Barcelona youth academy | alma_mater = La Masia | institution = Inter Miami CF; FC Barcelona; Argentina national footba..."

2026-09-11T15:50:32Z

Created page with "{{Biography | person_name = Lionel Messi | portrait_image = Lionel_Messi.jpg | image_caption = Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team | title_or_role = Professional Footballer | birth_date = 24 June 1987 | birth_place = Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina | nationality = Argentine | occupation = Professional Footballer | education = FC Barcelona youth academy | alma_mater = La Masia | institution = Inter Miami CF; FC Barcelona; Argentina national footba..."

New page

{{Biography
| person_name = Lionel Messi
| portrait_image = Lionel_Messi.jpg
| image_caption = Argentine footballer and captain of the Argentina national team
| title_or_role = Professional Footballer
| birth_date = 24 June 1987
| birth_place = Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| nationality = Argentine
| occupation = Professional Footballer
| education = FC Barcelona youth academy
| alma_mater = La Masia
| institution = Inter Miami CF; FC Barcelona; Argentina national football team
| notable_for = Winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, eight Ballon d'Or awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, and numerous domestic and international trophies
| years_active = 2004–present
| awards = Eight Ballon d'Or awards; FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2014, 2022); Laureus World Sportsman of the Year (2020, 2023)
| website = https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/
}}

'''Lionel Andrés Messi''' (born 24 June 1987), commonly known as '''Lionel Messi''' or '''Leo Messi''', is an Argentine professional [[association football|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 F.C.|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.{{cite web |url=https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/ |title=Leo Messi — Inter Miami CF |publisher=Inter Miami CF |access-date=11 September 2026}}

== 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/2214377/leo-messi |title=Leo Messi — FC Barcelona |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=11 September 2026}}

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 [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] on 16 October 2004. He subsequently became an important member of Barcelona's senior squad.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/2214377/leo-messi |title=Leo Messi — FC Barcelona |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=11 September 2026}}

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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/2181095/a-barca-legend |title=A Barça legend |publisher=FC Barcelona |date=5 August 2021 |access-date=11 September 2026}}

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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/2214377/leo-messi |title=Leo Messi — FC Barcelona |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=11 September 2026}}

== 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/2214377/leo-messi |title=Leo Messi — FC Barcelona |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=11 September 2026}}

Messi won the [[Ballon d'Or]] multiple times during his Barcelona career. His achievements also included six [[European Golden Shoe|European Golden Shoes]] and multiple UEFA and FIFA individual awards.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/2214377/leo-messi |title=Leo Messi — FC Barcelona |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=11 September 2026}}

== Argentina national team ==

Messi has represented [[Argentina national football team|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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/2214377/leo-messi |title=Leo Messi — FC Barcelona |publisher=FC Barcelona |access-date=11 September 2026}}

== 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/ |title=Leo Messi — Inter Miami CF |publisher=Inter Miami CF |access-date=11 September 2026}}

== 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/2181095/a-barca-legend |title=A Barça legend |publisher=FC Barcelona |date=5 August 2021 |access-date=11 September 2026}}

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.{{cite web |url=https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/ |title=Leo Messi — Inter Miami CF |publisher=Inter Miami CF |access-date=11 September 2026}}

== See also ==

* [[Argentina national football team]]
* [[FC Barcelona]]
* [[Inter Miami CF]]
* [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.]]
* [[Major League Soccer]]
* [[FIFA World Cup]]
* [[Copa América]]
* [[Ballon d'Or]]
* [[UEFA Champions League]]
* [[La Liga]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.intermiamicf.com/players/lionel-messi/ Lionel Messi] at [[Inter Miami CF]]
* [https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/card/2214377/leo-messi Leo Messi] at [[FC Barcelona]]
* [https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/2181095/a-barca-legend Messi's Barcelona career] at [[FC Barcelona]]

[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Argentine male footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine international footballers]]
[[Category:Argentina national football team captains]]
[[Category:FC Barcelona players]]
[[Category:Paris Saint-Germain FC players]]
[[Category:Inter Miami CF players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 players]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer players]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer Designated Players]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in France]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in the United States]]
[[Category:Olympic gold medalists for Argentina]]
[[Category:Olympic footballers for Argentina]]
[[Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:FIFA World Cup winners]]
[[Category:Copa América winners]]
[[Category:Ballon d'Or winners]]
[[Category:FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winners]]
[[Category:European Golden Shoe winners]]
[[Category:Argentine sportspeople]]
[[Category:People from Rosario, Santa Fe]]
]]

Lionel Messi - Revision history

Sub-Admin at 15:52, 11 September 2026