biography of messi football player

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, a forward for Inter Miami CF, is one of the world’s greatest soccer players and helped the Argentina national team win its third FIFA World Cup in 2022.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

1987-present

Lionel Messi News: Soccer Star Is the Subject of a New Apple TV+ Docuseries

Messi, now playing for Inter Miami CF of the MLS, helped his home country win soccer’s biggest event for the first time since 1986, scoring two goals in the final and leading Argentina to a 4-2 win over Kylian Mbappé and France on penalties. Argentina’s captain was also named the tournament MVP.

The new series follows up Messi Meets America , Apple’s 2023 look at the star striker’s arrival and first season in the MLS. Inter Miami begins the 2024 regular season also on February 21 with a match against Real Salt Lake.

Quick Facts

Early life of a soccer prodigy, club teams: barcelona, psg, and inter miami, argentina national team, tax fraud scandal, wife and children, charity and unicef, who is lionel messi.

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian soccer player who has played for FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and currently, the MLS club Inter Miami CF as well as the Argentina national team. As a teenager, Messi moved from Argentina to Spain after FC Barcelona agreed to pay for medical treatments related to his growth hormone disorder. At the club, he earned renown as one of the greatest players in history, helping FC Barcelona win more than two dozen league titles and tournaments. In 2012, he set a record for most goals in a calendar year and, a decade later, helped the Argentina national team win its third FIFA World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, and in July 2023, he joined Inter Miami.

FULL NAME: Luis Lionel Andres Messi BORN: June 24, 1987 BIRTHPLACE: Rosario, Argentina SPOUSE: Antonella Roccuzzo (2017-present) CHILDREN: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Cancer

Luis Lionel Andres “Leo” Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. As a young boy, Messi tagged along when his two older brothers played soccer with their friends, unintimidated by the bigger boys. At the age of 8, he was recruited to join the youth system of Newell’s Old Boys, a Rosario-based club.

Recognizably smaller than most of the kids in his age group, Messi was eventually diagnosed by doctors as suffering from a hormone deficiency that restricted his growth. Messi’s parents, Jorge and Ceclia, decided on a regimen of nightly growth-hormone injections for their son, though it soon proved impossible to pay several hundred dollars per month for the medication.

So, at the age of 13, when Messi was offered the chance to train at soccer powerhouse FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, and have his medical bills covered by the team, Messi’s family picked up and moved across the Atlantic to make a new home in Spain. Although he was often homesick in his new country, Messi moved quickly through the junior system ranks.

Ultimately, Messi’s short stature—5 feet, 7 inches—combined with his speed and relentless attacking style, has drawn comparisons to another famous Argentinian footballer, Diego Maradona .

Messi played for FC Barcelona for 17 seasons before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 for two seasons. In July 2023, he joined the MLS club Inter Miami.

FC Barcelona

At age 13, Messi signed with FC Barcelona. His first appearance for the team was when he was 16. On May 1, 2005, Messi put himself in the record books as the youngest player to ever score a goal for the franchise.

Messi steered Barcelona to a wealth of success, most notably in 2009, when the left-footer’s team captured the Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Super Cup titles. That same year, after two consecutive runner-up finishes, he took home his first FIFA World Player of the Year honor, as well as his first Ballon d’Or award, the top European individual honor in football.

Messi became the first Argentinian player to win the Ballon d’Or. Even the great Maradona gushed about his fellow countryman. “I see him as very similar to me,” the retired player told the BBC. “He’s a leader and is offering lessons in beautiful football. He has something different than any other player in the world.”

Amazingly, the soccer wizard continued to improve, discovering new ways to elude defenders while leading Barcelona to La Liga and Spanish Super Cup championships in 2010 and 2011, as well as the ’11 Champions League title.

Messi embarked on an all-out assault on the record books in 2012. He became the first player to score five goals in a Champions League match in early March, and a few weeks later, he surpassed Cesar Rodriguez’s club-record 232 goals to become Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer. By the end of the year, Messi had accumulated an astounding 91 goals in club and international play, eclipsing the 85 netted in a single calendar year by Gerd Muller in 1972. Fittingly, he broke another record when he was named the Ballon d’Or winner for the fourth consecutive time.

In 2013, the soccer great came back to earth somewhat due to the persistence of hamstring injuries, but he regained his record-breaking form by becoming the all-time leading scorer in La Liga and Champions League play in late 2014.

After helping Barcelona achieve a historic second treble in 2015, he was honored with his fifth Ballon d’Or trophy. Four years later, following another La Liga title, Messi again established a new standard for excellence by claiming his sixth Ballon d’Or.

On August 5, 2021, FC Barcelona announced it couldn’t resign Messi due to the team’s budget constraints and La Liga restrictions. Despite having voiced his desire to leave the club the prior season, Messi bid a teary farewell after 17 seasons: “This is really difficult for me after so many years spent here, being here my entire life. I’m not ready for this.”

Paris Saint-Germain

Four days after the shocking news from FC Barcelona, Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain. The 34-year-old inked a two-year contract with the French club. The move saw him reunite with former teammate Neymar as well as the talented Kylian Mbappé.

Messi made his debut for the club on August 29, 2021, and scored his first goal that September. PSG won two Ligue 1 titles with Messi but twice failed to advance beyond the round of 16 in the Champions League finals.

Although his contract allowed for an optional third year at PSG, the team announced it would release Messi as a free agent when the deal expired on June 30, 2023. Earlier in the year, the club suspended and fined Messi after he visited Saudi Arabia on an unauthorized trip. This all but sealed fate on the soccer legend’s widely expected move.

Messi’s last game for PSG was June 3, 2023. In total, he started in 72 games, notching 32 goals and 34 assists.

Inter Miami CF

On June 7, 2023, Messi told two Spanish media outlets he planned to play for the MLS club Inter Miami CF, which is partially owned by former soccer player David Beckham . “I have made the decision that I am going to Miami,” Messi said at the time, per ESPN . Messi later told Time he strongly considered joining a Saudi Arabian team before deciding on Inter Miami.

A little over a month later, on July 16, the team officially welcomed him on a 2.5-year contract that runs through the 2025 season. The deal was reportedly worth around $150 million , including an annual salary between $50 million and $60 million , a signing bonus, revenue sharing with the league’s media partner, and team equity upon retirement.

Inter Miami immediately benefitted on and off the field from their new team captain’s presence. The club went on a 12-match winning streak and captured the Leagues Cup, an annual tournament between teams from the MLS and Liga MX. Messi wound up scoring 11 goals in 14 games overall. However, with Messi injured late in the season, Inter Miami went winless in seven straight and failed to qualify for the playoffs. He was named the club’s 2023 MVP in November.

Messi has directly boosted revenue for the team, as well. Attendance at home games spiked 40 percent , the most in the MLS. According to The Athletic , the least expensive Inter Miami season ticket prices rose from $485 to $884 per seat from 2023 to 2024. Even with the price jump, Inter Miami announced 2024 season tickets sold out at the end of November, two months out of the start of the preseason. Not surprisingly, his jersey became the top seller in the MLS .

Messi and Inter Miami open the 2024 MLS regular season on February 21.

In summer 2005, Messi quickly made a name for himself on his native country’s under-20 squad. He led Argentina to the title in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring on a pair of penalty kicks to propel the team over Nigeria. Less than two months later, he made his pro debut with Argentina in an August friendly match against Hungary but played less than two minutes before receiving a red card and being ejected from the game.

For all his success with Barcelona, Messi repeatedly came under fire for his inability to help Argentina’s national team win a major title. In the 2014 World Cup, Argentina lost to Germany in the final, though Messi was named player of the tournament that year. In 2016, following Argentina’s second consecutive loss to Chile in the final of the Copa America tournament, Messi announced he was ending his run with the national team.

The soccer great eventually reversed his decision, but his participation in the 2018 World Cup did not bring that elusive title, as hoped. After Messi scored an early goal in a 2-1 win over Nigeria that helped his team advance from the group stage, he was largely kept in check by France, his two assists not enough to stave off a 4-3 defeat that sent Argentina packing.

The following year, after Messi heavily criticized the referees in the wake of a 2-0 loss to Brazil in the Copa America semifinals, the Argentine captain was slapped with a three-game ban by the South American Football Confederation.

At last, in 2021 and 2022, Argentina and Messi found enough traction to bring home trophies that had long evaded them. First, the team won the Copa America—Argentina’s first major title in 28 years—in August 2021, besting Brazil in the final. Captain Messi tied for top goal scorer, alongside Colombia’s Luis Diaz, and was named player of the tournament. The next year, greater glory awaited at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina captured the World Cup trophy on December 18, 2022, after a thrilling game against France that ended in a penalty shootout. Messi was named the Best FIFA Men’s Player for a second time and broke the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 games. Six jerseys that Messi had worn during the victorious championship run later sold for more than $7.8 million at auction.

In fall 2023, Messi scored three goals in qualifying games for the 2026 World Cup. However, as he nears the twilight of the his career, the soccer legend has adopted a realistic attitude about his future. “As long as I feel that I am fine and I can continue contributing, I am going to do it. Today, the only thing I think about is getting to the Copa America well and being able to compete in it,” Messi said of the 2024 tournament. “Then time will tell if I am [at the World Cup] or not. I’m going to be at an age (39) that normally doesn’t allow me to play in the World Cup.”

Messi won FIFA’s World Player Trophy five times, including four consecutive wins between 2009 and 2012, and has collected its contemporary the Best FIFA Men’s Player three times, in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

The soccer legend has won Europe’s Ballon d’Or a record eight times. When he won the Ballon d’Or in October 2023, Messi became the first active MLS player to do so. He’s also won the European Golden Shoe for top scorer six times, two more than his nearest rival, Cristiano Ronaldo .

In 2023, Time magazine named Messi its Athlete of the Year, pointing to his remarkable impact on soccer’s growing popularity in the United States.

In July 2016, Messi suffered a blow off the soccer field when a Barcelona court found him and his father guilty of three counts of tax fraud. During a four-day trial, Messi and his father denied breaking the law and claimed they were unaware of any tax illegalities they had committed.

However, they were both sentenced to 21 months in prison. Under Spanish law, first offenses under two years are suspended so they did not go to jail, but Messi was ordered to pay a fine of 2 million euros. His father was required to pay 1.5 million euros.

On June 30, 2017, Messi married Antonella Roccuzzo, his longtime girlfriend and the cousin of his best friend and fellow soccer player Lucas Scaglia. Messi met Roccuzzo in their hometown of Rosario when he was 5 years old. Their marriage, a civil ceremony dubbed by Argentina’s Clarín newspaper as the “wedding of the century,” was held at a luxury hotel in Rosario, with a number of fellow star soccer players and Colombian pop star Shakira on the 260-person guest list.

Messi and Roccuzzo have three children together: Thiago, born in November 2012; Mateo, born in September 2015; and Ciro, born in March 2018.

Although famously private off the field, Messi has quietly helped others in need. In 2007, he formed the Leo Messi Foundation to provide opportunities for disadvantaged youths. In early 2010, UNICEF named him a goodwill ambassador, with a focus on fighting for children’s rights across the globe.

• Every time I start a year, I start with the objective of trying to achieve everything, without comparing it to how I’ve done in other seasons.
• Whether it’s a friendly match, or for points, or a final, or any game—I play the same. I’m always trying to be my best, first for my team, for myself, for the fans and to try and win.
• I am competitive, and I feel bad when we lose. You can see it in me when we’ve lost. I’m in a bad way. I don’t like to talk to anyone.
• I made sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. I changed my friends, my people. Everything. But everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream.
• I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I’m not enjoying it, I will leave football.
• I’ve never stopped being Argentine, and I’ve never wanted to. I feel very proud of being Argentine, even though I left there. I’ve been clear about this since I was very young, and I never wanted to change.
• Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits and get on with trying to win. I’ve always had this ability to get up and get on with it.
• I wasn’t teased as a child for my size. In fact, I think I had more affection because I was small.
• I am lucky, I live by my passion, and there are a lot of people who work, doing what they don't like and are badly paid for that.

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right, contact us !

The Biography.com staff is a team of people-obsessed and news-hungry editors with decades of collective experience. We have worked as daily newspaper reporters, major national magazine editors, and as editors-in-chief of regional media publications. Among our ranks are book authors and award-winning journalists. Our staff also works with freelance writers, researchers, and other contributors to produce the smart, compelling profiles and articles you see on our site. To meet the team, visit our About Us page: https://www.biography.com/about/a43602329/about-us

Adrienne directs the daily news operation and content production for Biography.com. She joined the staff in October 2022 and most recently worked as an editor for Popular Mechanics , Runner’s World , and Bicycling . Adrienne has served as editor-in-chief of two regional print magazines, and her work has won several awards, including the Best Explanatory Journalism award from the Alliance of Area Business Publishers. Her current working theory is that people are the point of life, and she’s fascinated by everyone who (and every system that) creates our societal norms. When she’s not behind the news desk, find her hiking, working on her latest cocktail project, or eating mint chocolate chip ice cream. 

Tyler Piccotti first joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor in February 2023, and before that worked almost eight years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor. He is a graduate of Syracuse University. When he's not writing and researching his next story, you can find him at the nearest amusement park, catching the latest movie, or cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Famous Athletes

Sha’Carri Richardson

Aaron Rodgers

Florence Joyner

10 Things You Might Not Know About Travis Kelce

Every Black Quarterback to Play in the Super Bowl

Patrick Mahomes

What Is Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo’s Net Worth?

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Rubin Carter

These 7 Fathers and Sons Have Won the Super Bowl

The Loss that Fueled Nick Saban’s Alabama Dynasty

Biography Online

Lionel Messi Biography

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern generation. He plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He has won FIFA world player of the year five times (2009–12 and 2015) . He has often been described as Diego Maradona’s successor because of his prolific goal scoring record and ability to dribble past opponents.

“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius, and he can become an even better player.”

His potential is limitless, and I think he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player.”

– Diego Maradona

Short Biography Lionel Messi

He began playing from an early age, and his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunted growth and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human growth hormone.

His local club, River Plate were interested in signing Messi but didn’t want to pay for his medical treatment. However, Messi was given a trial with Barcelona, and coach Carles Rexach was impressed – offering Messi a contract (written on a paper napkin!) which included paying for Messi’s treatment in Spain. Messi moved to Barcelona with his father and became part of the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy.

“I made a lot of sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. But everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream. That’s why I didn’t go out partying, or do a lot of other things.”

– Lionel Messi

In the 2009-10 season, Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo’s record total for Barcelona. As the seasons have progressed, Messi kept improving and breaking his own records. In the calendar year of 2012, he broke the all-time world record for most goals scored in a calendar year. His final total of goals in 2012 was 91 – beating the previous record of 85 by German Gerd Muller, and Pele’s milestone of 75 in 1958.

“My record stood for 40 years – 85 goals in a year – and now the best player in the world has broken it, and I’m delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic.”

– Gerd Muller

At the start of 2013, in club football, Messi has scored 292 goals from a total of 359 appearances, and in international football, 31 goals from 76 appearances.

At the end of 2012, Messi turned down a very lucrative offer to play for an unnamed Russian side. It would have given Messi a salary of €20 million a year and made Messi the most expensive player in the world (Barcelona would have been paid €250 million). He turned down the offer because he was unsure if he would be playing in major European championships and the difficulties in moving to Russia. Instead, he signed a contract with Barcelona until the end of 2018. When asked about moving to the English Premier League, Messi revealed his sense of commitment to Barcelona.

“ Barcelona is my life. They have brought me to where I am today. I could not leave, I don’t want to leave. I know the Premier League is very good. But I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always.”

International Career

Because Messi was brought up in Spain, since he was 11 years old, he has Spanish nationality. In 2004, he was offered the chance to play for Spain’s Under 20 side, but Messi decided to play for Argentina, the country of his birth. He led Argentina to victory in the 2005 FIFA Youth Championship. Messi made his full international debut in August 2005, during a friendly against Hungary. In his first game, Messi was sent off for allegedly elbowing a player. The decision was contentious and not in keeping with Messi’s style of play which is generally clean and in the spirit of fair play; he has very rarely been accused of diving.

In 2006, he participated in the World Cup, becoming Argentina’s youngest player to play in the world cup. Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals. In 2008, he won an Olympic gold medal for Argentina in football at the Beijing Olympics. Initially, Barcelona had not allowed him permission to play, but new coach Pep Guardiola allowed him time off.

In the 2010 World Cup, Messi wore the number 10 shirt and played well to help Argentina reach the quarter-finals, but Messi struggled to score, and Argentina disappointingly lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-final. Messi has admitted he is desperate to play in a world cup final. Success for Messi in the World Cup would be the last test of greatness. Pele , by contrast, was part of Brazil’s three times winning World Cup side ’58, ’62 and ’70.

Messi is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players of the modern age – in fact, any age. He has a peerless ability to dribble and take on opponents. Maradona has described his ball control as supremely good. “ The ball stays glued to his foot; I’ve seen great players in my career, but I’ve never seen anyone with Messi’s ball control.” Messi has said he wishes to retain the joy of how a child plays football

“I have changed nothing, my style of play is still that of a child. I know that above all it is my job and that I should approach it in another way, but one must not lose sight of the fact that football is a game. It is imperative one plays to amuse oneself, to be happy. That is what children do and I do the same thing.” (total Barca)

After winning the Ballon d’Or for the fourth time in January 2013, Messi said:

“To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words. ” ( BBC )

Messi and Ronaldo

Messi has often been compared to prolific Real Madrid goalscorer Christiano Ronaldo, but both have been keen to downplay the rivalry.

“Messi has his personality and I have mine. He has his game and I have mine. I also play in a big club like him. We are different in every aspect. But right now, he is the best.”

— Christiano Ronaldo , in September 2011

Messi’s goalscoring record

Source: Christopher Johnson, Barcelona FC. CC-SA-2.5

By any standards, Messi’s goal scoring record is exceptional. By June 2019, he has scored 419 goals in 445 official matches for Barcelona FC.

• In 2012/13, Messi set an all-time world record of scoring in 21 consecutive games (33 goals from 21 games)
• He holds the Guinness World Record for most goals in a calendar year – 91 goals during 2012.
• He is the only player to score in four consecutive Champions League campaigns.
• His international record for Argentina is 68 goals from 133 appearances.

Messi major honours

• Spanish La Liga title (*10) : 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16
• Spanish Cup (*6) – Copa del Rey
• Supercopa de España (*6)
• UEFA Champions League ( *4 ) : 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014-15
• UEFA Super Cup ( *3 )
• FIFA Club World Cup ( 3 )
• Olympic Gold Medal: 2008
• FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005
• 2006 World Cup – QF
• 2010 World Cup – QF
• 2014 World Cup – Runners-up.
• 2018 World Cup

Wealth and income

Messi has frequently been the target of other football clubs with big transfer budgets, but he has remained loyal to Barcelona FC. He is one of the highest paid footballers in the world. His base salary is estimated at €40 million per year. His combined income 2018 from all sources was €126m. This made him the highest paid sports star – according to Forbes. From 2018, his weekly salary from Barcelona is $667,000 per week.

Private life

By the standards of modern football, Messi has a relatively private and modest lifestyle. He makes efforts to keep links to his hometown of Rosario. He has an Argentinian girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo, and they have two children. His first child Thiago was born in November 2012.

Lionel Messi – Real Bios at Amazon by Marie Morreale.

Messi acts as an ambassador for Unicef, and also runs his own charitable foundation – supporting access to education and sport for children. Because of his own expensive medical treatment, he has also helped Argentinian hospitals with paying for similar treatment to his own.

World Cup 2014

Many commentators have stated that Lionel Messi has performed at his best in all competitions, except the World Cup. In both the 2006 and 2010 World Cup, Argentina were knocked out in the quarter-finals, with Messi not at his best.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is an opportunity for Messi to make an impact on the highest stage of them all. In the opening game against, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Messi scored a great goal to give Argentina a winning start. He scored four goals to help Argentina reach the World Cup Final. In the final, Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany. Messi was awarded ‘Golden Ball’ player of the tournament, though the decision was not universally supported. After the tournament, Messi replied:

“I do not care about the Golden Ball. I am just upset by the wasted chances. We had the best chances. We knew we could not dominate the game but we knew what we wanted to do. Right now I do not care about my prize. I just wanted to lift the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great.”

In June 2016, a very disappointed Messi announced his retirement from international football, after missing a penalty as Argentina got knocked out of the Copa America final. However, Messi later reversed his decision, saying he loved playing for Argentina too much, and “I see there are many problems in Argentinian football and I don’t intend to create another one.”

However, Messi returned to international football and led Argentina in the 2018 World Cup. Despite carrying the weight of expectation of a nation, the World Cup was considered a great disappointment. However, in the 2018/19 season, Messi returned to his usual scintillating performance with Barcelona.

World Cup 2022

After a disappointing first game, when Argentina unexpectedly lost to Saudi Arabia, Lionel Messi was key to firing Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Mexico, with Messi scoring an excellent goal. If Messi has lost something of his speed and top level fitness, he remains just as potent in front of the goal, with the capacity to make match winning contributions. The goal took him to 8 world cup goals, 2nd overall and level with Diego Maradona.

Published 10 January 2018. Last updated 30 November 2022

• Full name Lionel Andrés Messi
• Date of birth 24 June 1987 (1987-06-24)
• Place of birth Rosario, Argentina
• Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
• Playing Position: Forward
• Total club appearances 684. Total Goals 578 (Dec. 2018)
• Total international appearances 151. Total Goals 81 (Dec. 2018)
• La Liga titles with Barcelona (9)
• UEFA Champions League (4) 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
• FIFA Ballon d’Or/Ballon d’Or (5)
• Guinness World Record as top goalscorer for club and country in a calendar year: 91 goals in 2012

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “Biography of Lionel Messi”, Oxford, UK.  www.biographyonline.net . First published 26 June 2012. Last updated 26 June 2019.

The Amazing Story of Leo Messi

The Amazing Story of Leo Messi at Amazon

Lionel Messi: The Rise to Stardom. at Amazon

Related pages

• Football Biographies

External links

• Lionel Messi at Amazon.com

64 Comments

Super biography

• February 03, 2019 2:09 PM
• By V.sukumar

• Milano Cortina 2026
• Brisbane 2032
• Olympic Refuge Foundation
• Olympic Games
• Olympic Channel
• Let's Move

Lionel MESSI

Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987, Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, and his illustrious career proves why. The Argentinean footballer, who holds a record eight Ballon d'Or awards , has displayed his talent early on and has always been destined for greatness.

When Messi was 13 years old, he and his family moved to Barcelona, where the club assisted him in treating his growth hormone deficiency . He started playing for FC Barcelona's U14 team. The Argentinean quickly rose through the ranks, impressing everyone with exceptional skills and talent. At 17, he made his first senior appearance for the club and became a vital player for the Blaugranas.

The Rosario's native relationship with Barcelona has been very successful. During his 17-year career with the team, he helped them win numerous titles, including 10 La Liga titles , four Champions League crowns , and seven Copa del Rey trophies . He is also the all-time leading scorer in La Liga , with an incredible 474 goals to his name. He left the Spanish club in 2021 to join French powerhouse Paris Saint Germain , where he played two years before joining Inter Miami in the MLS.

On the international stage, the former Barca star has been a standout player for his country. He was instrumental in helping them win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, where he won the Golden Ball , awarded to the competition's best player. He was also part of the team that won Olympic gold at the Beijing 2008 Games, which remains one of his most treasured career highlights.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Latest News

Olympic Results

Athlete Olympic Results Content

You may like

Notifications Center

Download the official FC Barcelona App

Leo Messi 's footballing career started in 1995 at Newell's Old Boys, where he played until the year 2000. At the age of 13, Lionel Messi crossed the Atlantic to try his luck in Barcelona, and joined the Under 14s. Messi made spectacular progress at each of the different age levels, climbing through the ranks to Barça C, followed by Barça B and the first team in record time.

From a young age Messi stood out due to his vision and his goalscoring ability, especially with his left foot, an endless source of magical inspiration. 

In the 2003-2004 season, when he was still only 16, Messi made his first team debut in a friendly with Porto that marked the opening of the new Do Dragao stadium.

The following championship-winning season, Messi made his first appearance in an official match on October 16, 2004, in Barcelona's derby win against Espanyol at the Olympic Stadium (0-1). 

That very season Messi became a regular member of Frank Rijkaard's first team squad. However, it was in the 2005/06 campaign that the Argentine really came to centre stage as he helped the team to their second Champions League victory and their 18th league title. With the departure of Ronaldinho in 2008, Messi became the focal point of the Barça forward line. 

Getting better every season, Messi and Barça won 35 trophies during the Argentine's time at the Club, including the six won in 2009 and the treble in 2015. 

Leo Messi and the treble trophies from 2009: Copa del Rey, Champions League and Liga

Messi’s individual achievements are also unprecedented: six Ballon d’Or awards, six times Champions League top scorer, six times Golden Shoe winner, eight times ‘Pichichi’ (top scorer) in La Liga, Ballon d’Or winner at the 2014 World Cup, FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 and FIFA The Best winner in 2019. 

On an individual level Messi began to set records as a youngster and never looked back. The Argentine has made more appearances than anyone, 778, scored more goals, 672, provided most assists, 305 and won most trophies, 35. 

Other records included 91 goals in a calendar year, beating Gerd Müller's record from 1972 as well as surpassing Pelé's record for one club total of 643 goals.  

With the Argentina national side Messi played in four World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018) as a Barça player, losing in the final in 2014 in Brazil against Germany. He has also played in six Copa Américas (2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021), losing in the final in both 2015 and 2016 to Chile on penalties before finally claiming a major honour for his country with the win over Brazil in the 2021 final. In the summer of 2008 he also played at the Beijing Olympics, and came home with a gold medal.

In the summer of 2021 the love affair between FC Barcelona and Leo Messi came to an end and the Barça number 10 brought an end to his career which has been him become a life long legend for FC Barcelona. 

• Seasons at the Club: 2003-2021
• Appearances: 778

Honours with FC Barcelona

• 3 FIFA Club World Cups (2009, 2011, 2015)
• 4 UEFA Champions League (2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15)
• 3 UEFA Super Cups (2009/10, 2011/12, 2015/16)
• 10 Spanish leagues (2004/05, 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19)
• 7 Copas del Rey (2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2020/2021)
• 8 Spanish Super Cups (2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14, 2016/17, 2018/19)
• 4 Catalan Cup (2004-05, 2006-07, 2012-13, 2013-14)
• 2 Catalan Supercup (2014-15, 2017-18)

Honours with Argentina

• 1 Olympic gold (2008)
• 1 Copa América (2021)

Individual awards

• 1 Laureus (2020)
• 1 FIFA World Player (2009)
• 1 The Best FIFA Football Award (2019)
• 2 UEFA Player of the Year (2010/11, 2014/15)
• 1 World Soccer Award Best Player (2015)
• 6 Ballons d'Or (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019)
• 4 Golden XI (2009, 2011, 2012, 2018)
• 6 Golden Shoe (2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19)
• 8 La Liga top scorer (2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21)
• 6 Top scorer UEFA Champions League (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12 i 2018/19)
• 9 MVP LaLiga (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19)
• 1 Golden Boy (2005)
• 1 Bravo Trophy (2007)

Most important individual records 

• Only player to win Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player, La Liga top scorer and Golden Shoe in same season (2009/10)
• Player with most Ballons d'Or 
• Player with most Golden Shoes
• Player with most Pichichi Trophies
• Top goalscorer in a season in official competition (73 goals in 2011/12)
• Top goalscorer in calendar year (91 goals in 2012)
• Top goalscorer at one club Club (672 goals)
• Longest scoring streak in La Liga (33 goals in 21 consecutive matches 2012/13)
• Player with most matches  for Argentina
• All time top goalscorer in La Liga (474 goals in 520 matches)
• Top goalscorer in a single La Liga season (50 goals in 2011/12)
• Player with most hat-tricks in La Liga (36)
• Player with most goals form a free kick in La Liga (39 goals)
• Player with most wins in official competition (542 wins in 771 matches)
• Share via Twitter
• Share via Facebook

Related to this article

• facebook FC Barcelona @fcbarcelona
• twitter FC Barcelona @fcbarcelona
• youtube FC Barcelona Youtube
• instagram FC Barcelona @fcbarcelona
• tiktok FC Barcelona Tik Tok
• Legal Terms
• Privacy Policy
• Accessibility
• Support/FAQs

Lionel Messi: The life and times of the Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina legend

Lionel Messi has wasted little time in making an impact at Inter Miami, the third club he has played for in his illustrious career.

The deal taking him to Miami, after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired, was only finalized on July 15. The World Cup winner has already added the Leagues Cup to his trophy cabinet , scoring 10 goals in seven games to fire his new club to their first piece of silverware.

Advertisement

For Messi , it is major trophy number 44.

Despite turning 36 in June, he is as influential as ever. Here is the complete story of Lionel Andres Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport, as told by 30 of our award-winning team of reporters, from Adam Crafton to Oliver Kay, from Michael Cox to John Muller, as well as many, many more. It will be continuously updated to reflect Messi’s ongoing Inter Miami career .

The early life of Lionel Messi

It started with a videotape . Horacio Gaggioli, an agent in Argentina, was sent footage of a 12-year-old Lionel Messi playing for the oxymoronic Newell’s Old Boys youth teams. A year later and Messi arrived in Barcelona with Gaggioli and his father for a trial that would change the course of history for both player and club.

Messi played only for the youth sides of Newell’s Old Boys and yet he is a bona fide club legend by virtue of what he would go on to achieve. In Rosario, as early as the late 1990s, he was already cutting in from the right flank and bending the ball into the far corner with his left foot. The skills were already astonishing but, naturally, there were doubts as a result of the youngster’s diminutive frame.

This was around the time Messi was being seen by a pediatric endocrinologist (a glands and hormones specialist) because of having been diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 10. His was a middle-class family and the Messis lived in a modest two-story home located on the Calle Lavalleja in Rosario. Lionel’s father worked as a supervisor at a steel manufacturing plant while his mother worked at a shop that specialised in magnetic coils.

It was, in fact, Messi’s grandmother who encouraged him to join a club rather than simply play informally with other children in the neighbourhood. His trademark goal celebration of pointing both index fingers to the sky is a tribute to that late grandparent, a key formative influence whose importance has never been forgotten .

Messi was a shy and introverted child and, during one early match, he played with stones he found on the pitch while the game went on around him. Naturally, when the ball came to him, it was a very different story and the raw talent was there for all to see. This reserved nature, quite uncommon in elite athletes, might explain why the young Lionel ultimately decided to let his father, Jorge, become his agent . After an agonising wait during which the hierarchy debated the best course of action, Barcelona eventually agreed to sign the player and cover his treatments, the latter something Newell’s Old Boys could or would not do. History is written by the winners, however, so Messi is a hero at the Argentine club despite making his professional debut elsewhere.

Jorge’s (third from left, above) involvement in his son’s career is a fascinating aspect of the Messi story . His first organised involvement was helping as coach at the local Grandoli club, where little Leo played his first games. While the family was relatively comfortable, they did not have the $900 a month required for the hormone treatment. The Barcelona move was essential but it was not until December 2000 that Barca director Charly Rexach famously signed a contract written on a napkin that confirmed the Argentine’s move to La Masia . The romantic element of the tale belies the truth of the negotiations. In reality, neither father nor son were willing to return to Spain until they were sure they were going to be paid the 100 million pesetas per season they felt they were worth.

This kind of steeliness would be a recurring theme in Messi’s early days at the Camp Nou. After a year at Barcelona, a new general manager questioned why somewhere in the region of €120,000 a year was being paid to a youngster yet to play a competitive game. Jorge responded by making enquiries about a move to Real Madrid and ultimately the Messi men got their way before it was obvious quite what a talent the club had on their hands. Indeed, at that fledgling stage, the Messis were able to negotiate three new contracts within just 18 months. Within three years of making his Barcelona debut, Messi replaced no less a player than Ronaldinho as the highest earner on the club’s books.

When Messi signed for Barcelona in 2001, the whole family moved to the Catalan capital, but mother Cecilia and siblings Rodrigo, Matias and Maria-Sol soon moved back to Rosario and left father and son in a relatively small apartment close to the Camp Nou. Like sitcom room-mates, the pair largely ate takeout food and played video games but, more crucially, developed a remarkable bond rare even for kin .

When the Messi family left Argentina at the turn of the century, they neglected to tell even those closest to them about the move. In a sense, that insular nature and distrust of outsiders has remained with the player throughout his career. Those on the inside have repeatedly suggested Jorge is a difficult man to deal with but perhaps he is just a father who understood the extraordinary value of his son before the world caught up. When you’ve got an asset like Lionel, it tends to give you the upper hand in most negotiations around money.

• Messi, Rosario and Newell’s: The love between a superstar, his hometown and boyhood club
• Jorge Messi: The agent father behind Leo’s fortunes
• Lionel Messi and Rosario’s narco wars: ‘We are waiting for you’

Messi’s record-breaking Barcelona career

Two things come up time and again when any team-mate is asked about Messi’s early days at Barcelona; the young Argentine was extremely shy and prodigiously gifted . In the words of Victor Vazquez:

“From day one, it was crazy how good he was out on the pitch. Me and the other players in the academy — like Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas — were always talking about how incredible a player he was. We couldn’t believe how good he was and the whole dressing room agreed we had to do everything we could to help Leo adapt to living in Barcelona.”

On the pitch, there were no issues. Messi’s rise through the youth ranks was one of the fastest the club had ever seen. In his first full season, he scored 38 goals in 31 games while playing at under-16 level. Barcelona moved the 16-year-old to the under-18s for the 2003-04 season. His time in that side did not last long, however, as the teenager set a club record that has never been equalled: he played for five different Barcelona teams in one season .

The first-team manager, Frank Rijkaard, was impressed enough to call Messi up for a friendly against Porto (at that time managed by Jose Mourinho) in November 2003. His 15-minute cameo was ultimately remarkable enough to see the Argentine play for Barcelona’s B and C teams for the remainder of the season. He would never return to the academy or look back in any way.

In October 2004, aged 17 years, three months and 22 days, Messi made his competitive debut for Barcelona as a substitute against Espanyol. That was the first of nine appearances he made that season, the last of those featuring his first goal for the club in the very final minute of the season with a terrific lob.

Messi could not start playing the following season until September 2005 when a citizenship issue was finally resolved. The Argentine helped his side to their second successive league title with eight goals and five assists in 25 games. The only disappointment was a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Champions League final victory over Arsenal despite the fact the player felt he was fit enough to start.

That 2006 European triumph signalled the end of an era at Barcelona and the next couple of years were difficult and culminated with the dismissal of Rijkaard in 2008 and the appointment of Pep Guardiola, a decision that altered the course of the club’s history. Ronaldinho was sold and Messi inherited the number 10 shirt as the central figure in arguably the greatest club side in the history of the game.

In the 2008-09 season, everything went right. The Argentine managed 38 goals and 19 assists in 51 games while helping Barcelona secure the Copa del Rey, La Liga and Champions League titles. It was a banner year for Messi in which he played his first game as a false nine and won the Ballon d’Or (the first of an astonishing seven).

The numbers tell their own story, with Messi and Guardiola combining with devastating effect. Thirty-eight goals seems an astonishing number for a player whose game was about far more than simply finding the back of the net and it’s even more staggering when one considers he would go on to score even more goals in each of the next 10 seasons. Messi and his manager ensured Barcelona picked up 14 trophies in four seasons before Guardiola suddenly stepped down in the summer of 2012 .

With Guardiola gone, Barcelona managers came and went (three in successive years) with it becoming understood that the star man had more power than whoever was sat in the dugout. Indeed, Gerardo Martino actually said to Messi during his brief tenure : “I know that if you call the president and ask for my head, he would fire me the next day but, please, I don’t need you to prove it to me every day.”

To call Messi a club legend doesn’t even begin to do justice to his extraordinary feats. As a way of adding context, consider the fact that, in 2021, according to government data, Leo was the fifth most common name given to newborn children in Catalonia and the only name in the top six without a Catalan origin. Ultimately, Barcelona’s struggles on and off the field in recent years saw the relationship between the player and the club break down and, instead of a fairytale ending, the denouement was a tearful press conference in the summer of 2021 .

One intriguing aspect of the Messi farewell is that his salary deferrals of 2020 and 2021, aimed at easing Barcelona’s financial troubles, mean he continues to be paid by the club and will be until 2025 . Many of the Camp Nou faithful believed he might return after his time in Paris came to an end and the noises from the club suggested they believed it was a genuine possibility. Messi’s name was chanted at matches and there was real hope right up until the moment he decided to sign for Inter Miami.

At Barcelona, Messi became arguably the greatest player in history while plying his trade for arguably the greatest team in history, so perhaps he was wise to heed the old adage about never going back .

• Lionel Messi at Barcelona: The pain and glory of a 20-year love affair
• Barcelona’s Lionel Messi love story is finally over (but some will forever live in hope)
• Why Barcelona have to pay Lionel Messi until 2025 – even though he is moving to Inter Miami

Why Messi struggled at Paris Saint-Germain

Messi’s time in Paris was every bit as complicated as the negotiations that led to his leaving the place he considered home for pastures new. Things started so brightly at PSG with Messi emerging from the airport in August 2021 in a shirt emblazoned with the words, ‘Ici C’est Paris’ (This Is Paris). If the footballing great was missing his friends in Barcelona then he certainly did a good job hiding it.

The player was paid a sign-on fee of €25million and agreed a two-year contract with a net salary of €25million per year. The deal included an option of a third year at the same rate but ultimately Messi was able to secure an even more lucrative deal in the United States.

Before arriving in France, the general perception of the Argentine great was that he was a man who let his football do the talking. Controversies off the field were rare and the headlines tended only to come as a result of his extraordinary ability. Perhaps it was inevitable but things were different in the French capital despite continued success on the field. Ultimately, the transfer was about more than just Messi’s ability with the ball at his feet and there was a nagging feeling that remained the case throughout his Parisian sojourn.

The deal made sense for all parties in the summer of 2021 . Barcelona could no longer afford to keep their prize asset and PSG could offer outstanding money and Champions League football. The club had been sniffing around Messi for years and felt his commercial value was as significant as his talent on the field. As if to underline this point, the club’s Twitter account gained 800,000 followers in a single month after he signed.

When the history books are written, Messi’s first season at PSG will not go down as a vintage year. Eleven goals and 15 assists from 34 games in all competitions is certainly not a bad return but undoubtedly underwhelming when compared to the player’s own impeccably high standards. Let’s not forget the Argentine moved to Barcelona at the age of 13 and stayed there for two decades, so a period of acclimatisation was to be expected. He had to adapt to a new coach and team-mates as well as an entirely new environment for his family in a city with a very different way of life to Catalonia.

PSG won Ligue 1 in both of Messi’s seasons at the club but that should be considered the bare minimum. The club has gone from just two domestic titles to 11 in the decade since Qatar Sports Investments started their bankrolling project. The player was brought in to get the club over the line in the Champions League and, while the hierarchy might have been happy from a commercial standpoint, PSG were still eliminated in the round of 16 in both of Messi’s seasons at Parc des Princes.

In Messi’s second season at PSG, he notched up 41 goals and assists from 40 games in all competitions and helped his side to their second successive league title. The failure in Europe had far more to do with poor recruitment than the Argentine’s performances and yet he was not entirely blameless. What is undeniable is that his output was considerably reduced after the World Cup. This is understandable given Messi gave everything to ensure he finally won the ultimate prize and the competition took place, for the first time, in the middle of a domestic season. For the people who paid his wages, however, the Champions League was a more important target.

Messi’s relationship with the PSG fans never came close to the bond he had with the Barcelona supporters and there was a certain inevitability about it ending in tears. At the start of May, he was suspended for a fortnight and fined for an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia as part of a commercial agreement to promote tourism in the area. The player missed a training session and the general consensus amongst the PSG faithful was that the player who has won everything did not care enough about the shirt of the club, a feeling exacerbated by nine defeats in all competitions after the turn of the year.

The iconic great of the game came to be viewed as symptomatic of a strategy that prioritised star names over cohesion. He was one of a number of players viewed as looking to earn huge sums of money without truly caring about the project . Ultimately the club took a stand and, the day after he was suspended, it was reported that Messi would leave at the season’s close. He apologised for his conduct but the damage had been done. Still, in his penultimate game for PSG, the Argentine’s goal helped the club secure a second league title in a row as he became the player with the most goals in the history of Europe’s top five leagues – an astonishing 496.

It might not have been a Parisian fairytale but, by any measure, Messi still produced the goods in Ligue 1.

• How Paris Saint-Germain signed Lionel Messi
• Lionel Messi PSG project ends here – and it’s the right call
• Messi’s time at PSG was a success for him and the business – but not as a football transfer

How Messi and Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar 

In 2016, at the age of 29, Messi announced his retirement from international football . Despite being at his peak for Barcelona, he was reeling from a third international final defeat in as many years (his fourth in total). As if to underline quite how different things were for the player in an Argentina jersey, the country’s talisman missed his penalty in the shootout to decide the Copa America, uncharacteristically blazing the ball high and wide. Enough was enough.

A couple of months later and the decision had been reversed, much to the relief of just about every person in Argentina. There was a sense in some quarters that the player had just one more mountain to scale if he wanted to be considered on a par with his compatriot, Diego Maradona, and that was lifting the World Cup for his country . Messi had come close in 2014 and won the player of the tournament award for his efforts, but ultimately Argentina were defeated by Germany in a close final.

In 2022, at 35, Messi knew this was his last chance. He spoke of “the anxiety within my family and the country as a whole. Particularly my wife Antonela and son Thiago who watches all the national team games and knows all the possible match-ups, the opponents. ‘When are we going?’ he asks. ‘When’s the first game? When’s the second game?’ He’s nervous and the truth is that it puts terrible pressure on me.” This was exacerbated when, in Argentina’s opening game, Messi’s penalty gave his team an early lead but Saudi Arabia fought back in the second half to win 2-1. This was one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history and some felt the Argentina captain would conclude his career without emulating Maradona.

It took Messi 64 minutes to break the deadlock against Mexico in the second group game and Pablo Aimar was so overwhelmed on the sidelines he broke into tears. The game ended 2-0 and another 2-0 victory, in the final group game against Poland, ensured Argentina topped their group despite that early setback. In the round of 16, against Australia, Argentina edged a tight match and Messi finally scored in the knockout stages of a World Cup. It also happened to be the 1,000th game of a storied career.

The quarter-final clash with the Netherlands would prove remarkably dramatic. Messi’s pass for Nahuel Molina’s opening goal somehow took out six Dutch players in one fell swoop and all seemed well until Wout Weghorst came off the bench and scored two late goals to make it 2-2 and take the game to extra time. Argentina won on penalties but it was a spectacularly ill-tempered affair, with Messi taunting both Weghorst and Louis van Gaal, the latter visibly angry after Messi provoked him by cupping his ears.

The semi-final was a relatively straightforward 3-0 win over Croatia (Messi opening the scoring with another penalty) before a final for the ages, perhaps the greatest there has ever been . For the first hour, however, it looked as though it would be a routine victory for Messi and co against the reigning champions France. They were 2-0 up at half-time and the French had contributed nothing of note in an attacking sense. It appeared as though Messi’s dream was finally about to come true with relative ease.

With 10 minutes remaining, France were awarded a penalty and Kylian Mbappe converted before adding another just 97 seconds later with a stunning volley that levelled the scores. The game went to extra time where Messi scored again and gave his team the lead and that appeared to be that until Mbappe, with two minutes remaining, completed his hat-trick and took the final to a penalty shootout. Naturally, both Messi and Mbappe scored their penalties and the shootout concluded with Argentina triumphing 4-2. The defining image of the celebrations was the Argentina great accepting the honour of the robe and rubbing his hands with glee at the prospect of lifting the trophy. He was hoisted aloft by his team-mates in a manner that recalled his idol, Maradona, at the conclusion of the 1986 final.

In the immediate aftermath of the match, Messi confirmed it was his last World Cup but he would not be retiring from international football, stating, “I love what I do, being in the national team, and I want to continue living a few more games being world champion.” It might seem surprising that he has been willing to take part in international friendlies having achieved everything there is to achieve but, in the words of the man himself, “What I do is play football, which is what I like. I do it because I love it — and that’s all I care about.”

• The night Messi won the World Cup – told with some help from the man himself
• The story of the greatest World Cup final: Di Maria’s tears, Macron’s hugs… and Salt Bae
• How the ‘Catalan Argentine’ escaped the shadow of Maradona
• The cult of Lionel Messi: From the pitch, to Buenos Aires, to the pilgrims of Doha

The story of Messi’s move to MLS and Inter Miami

When discussing signing Messi for Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club he co-owns, David Beckham is unequivocal :

“This will be up there with the biggest moves in American sporting history… And we’re talking about the biggest sporting market in the world. Bringing Leo Messi to Inter Miami, to MLS, the year after he wins the World Cup, to a team that is three years old… it’s a hell of an achievement. I never thought I would have the same feeling as an owner as I had when I was a player. When I got the phone call, I had the feeling I had when I walked out at Old Trafford or Wembley. I was like, ‘We’ve just beaten all competition to sign the greatest player to ever play our game’.”

Messi’s arrival in the States is so much more than a boost for a solitary club. Most MLS teams hosting Miami are seeing significant upticks in gameday revenue. Messi shirts are selling out. Apple have announced that three games the week of Messi’s debut set records in viewership. Social media numbers are through the roof, especially given the player’s strong start underlined by an exquisite goal on debut .

It was yet another perfect moment in a career positively littered with them. Inter Miami were drawing 1-1 with Mexican side Cruz Azul in their first Leagues Cup game of the season, a competition that sees MLS teams play against Liga MX sides. Messi, on as a 54th-minute substitute, was fouled and everyone watching knew he was going to take the resultant free kick, about 25 yards from goal in prime territory. Could the icon mark his first match in Florida with a 93rd-minute winner? Everyone watching knew the answer to that one, too.

Messi curled the ball past the goalkeeper and was wheeling away in celebration before it had even hit the back of the net . The Argentine’s set-piece ability is legendary and he tends to deliver when it comes to the crunch. After the game, he reflected on what is already the most memorable goal ever scored for an MLS side:

“It was set up for me at the end. I went for it like I always do. I was lucky that it was on target, that the goalkeeper didn’t get to it and… that it was a goal… I saw the goal and I tried to convert. I knew it was the last play. I was hoping to score in order to avoid going to penalties.”

Messi has already scored 10 goals for Inter Miami, his side winning all of the games he’s taken part in on their way to Leagues Cup triumph. In the process, Messi has become the all-time top scorer in the competition. There is a feeling that, if the player can continue at this rate against far weaker defences than he’s been accustomed to facing throughout his career, the ripple effect for the league could be astronomical.

Commercially, the impact of Messi in America is almost unprecedented . By way of example, DeAndre Yedlin recently arrived at a press conference in a pair of Beats by Dre headphones gifted by Messi, something he revealed each one of the Argentine’s team-mates had been presented with. Beats by Dre is owned by Apple, so this was a visible reminder of the partnership between one of the biggest companies in the world and one of the biggest figures in sport. It is quite clear there is a symbiotic relationship between the sports and business aspects of this deal .

In truth, the repercussions for soccer in the country could be felt long after Messi has left the Sunshine State. Daniel Kirschner is the CEO of Greenfly, a platform used by over 500 sports organizations to optimise digital content. He feels this could be a turning point for the league:

“When we look at athletes active on social, by carrying sponsors with them, jerseys sponsors, arena sponsors, there is an incredible amount of value in that and that value attaches itself to Inter Miami and their sponsors. Inter Miami’s reach and impact, the number of people seeing those logos, has expanded exponentially. For MLS more broadly, it brings value by showing who he is playing against, awareness of teams, awareness of the league. It carries that value to a much broader fan base.”

Like Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia , Messi has been brought in for huge money to boost the league at large and give the whole project a sense that it should be taken more seriously than it currently is. Inter Miami had not won a game in 11 before the player’s arrival and yet, under manager Gerardo Martino ( who Messi played under previously for Argentina and Barcelona ), the club have a serious chance of making waves this season. And the better the player and club perform, the better it will prove for the sport in America ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

• David Beckham, the interview: Miami, Messi, Manchester United – and more
• Messi and money: The ripple effect for MLS, its teams and sponsors
• Who gets Messi’s shirt? Inside the the locker room jockeying for one of sports’ rarest items
• Is Lionel Messi really good or are the defences Inter Miami play against really bad?
• For Messi vs Ronaldo, read U.S. vs Saudi Arabia – a new twist in a famous rivalry

The evolution of Messi’s playing style

Broadly speaking, Messi has played three different roles throughout his career : as a right-winger, as a false nine up front, and as a classic No 10 behind a proper striker. At his best, he combines elements of these three roles and thus defenders can watch endless hours of footage and still find him impossible to stop .

At the start of his career , Messi was a right-winger noted for his ability to dribble past opponents when cutting inside onto his left foot. His ability with the ball at his feet drew comparisons with Maradona from the very start, not least that immortal goal in the 1986 quarter-final match against England. When a teenage Messi scored a goal against Getafe that felt like a carbon copy of perhaps the most famous goal ever scored by an Argentine, one former youth team coach remarked: “The other day I saw him score this goal — they say it was like Maradona. I think he is better. When I watch him play like that, I cry.”

Ronaldinho left Barcelona in the summer of 2008, around the same time Messi turned 21. Guardiola made the decision to hand his young star the number 10 shirt and build the team around him . Messi’s first season in the role was a great success as he regularly cut inside behind Samuel Eto’o up front to undo defences, scoring and assisting more than almost any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. This, however, was only the start.

In May 2009, Guardiola took a bold gamble that paid off in spades. In a game away at bitter rivals Real Madrid, the manager told Messi and Eto’o they should swap positions early in the game leaving the Real defenders unable to decide whether to follow the Argentine into midfield or not. Ultimately Barcelona triumphed 6-2 on the day with Messi scoring two and assisting the opener while playing as a false 9 – neither as a poacher in the box nor just behind the striker. This tactic was equally effective a few weeks later in the Champions League final, Barcelona beating Manchester United 2-0 and Messi securing the trophy with a header twenty minutes from the end .

Messi was as crucial dropping off and joining Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets at the tip of the diamond as he was in the box finding the back of the net. The club and player were both at their peak and records were consistently broken with ease. Most sides don’t use their centre-forward as a spare midfielder but that’s simply because most teams don’t have peak Messi as an option.

Raul Garcia, who faced Messi 33 times between 2004 and 2021, has talked about the difficulties of facing a player devastating in every attacking area : “When you saw him up close, you realised just how great a player he was. He was the best midfielder, the best when he took the ball from the wing, and the best at finishing.”

Messi’s ability to play a one-two and carve out space is unprecedented in the game’s history, no doubt aided by having extraordinarily gifted team-mates, especially during the Barcelona years. As a finisher, the Argentine scored 44 per cent more goals over the course of his career in the top five leagues than an average shooter would have produced from the same chances. Messi has always been a master at finding himself in the right positions to get a shot away but his freakish ability to convert is unlike any other player ever to have lived.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of Messi’s style has been his tendency to stroll around the pitch in a casual manner whenever he doesn’t have the ball, seemingly at odds with the guidance given to young people when they first start playing football. The player has explained that this is, obviously, not a result of laziness but actually a way of conserving energy when it comes time to dribble and score goals. Further still, like a coach on the pitch, he is closely monitoring the movements of the defenders to calculate his next move. Not for nothing did Louis Vitton depict Messi as a chess grandmaster in that famous advertisement with Ronaldo.

In Paris, an ageing Messi took a leaf out of Beckham’s book (the man who concluded his playing career at PSG and was integral in bringing the Argentina great to the U.S.) and adopted the quarterback role . While he continued to take players on at times, the diminutive genius developed a penchant for through balls in his mid-30s that suggested time does, indeed, affect us all in the end. If his rival Ronaldo moved further up the pitch as he aged, Messi went in the opposite direction as his pace diminished over the years.

Ironically, penalties are just about the only thing Messi does not excel at on a football pitch and yet, when it mattered most, at the 2022 World Cup, he delivered time and again from the spot. His game has evolved since he burst onto the scene at Barcelona but the one constant has been that otherworldly ability .

• Lionel Messi: The evolution of the greatest footballer of all time
• Lionel Messi’s ten stages of greatness
• This is how you can stop Lionel Messi
• What it’s like to play with and against Lionel Messi: A privilege and a nightmare
• Inter Miami’s Messi may have declined physically, but his brain is as sharp as ever
• Watching Lionel Messi: Our writers, former players and managers share their favorite memories

Messi’s salary and finances in focus

One anonymous figure who worked at one of Messi’s clubs in the last decade was very clear about the man’s hierarchy of interests : “His number one passion is money. Not far behind is football. Everything he does is geared towards money.” An experienced agent echoed these sentiments with the suggestion that Messi and his father are too concerned with the bottom line: “If you manage a player well, you manage it well all-round. If he ends up with serious tax issues, it suggests they just look to capitalise on everything financially to the maximum without looking to the consequences.”

Messi’s tax issues represent an issue for those who have sought to characterise the rivalry with Ronaldo, the other great of the modern game, as a battle between good and evil. The easy narrative is that Ronaldo is the preening egotist in stark contrast with the shy, introvert who loves nothing but playing football. As it happens, both players have had tax issues, so perhaps they are not quite such different characters after all.

The Spanish authorities decided to clamp down on financial impropriety in football around 2013. Leo and Jorge were amongst the first to be targeted with both accused of having evaded more than €4million in taxes between 2007 and 2009 by routing image rights income through offshore tax havens Uruguay and Belize, then through others in the UK and Switzerland. Giving testimony in court in 2016, Messi senior claimed: “Since my son’s career started, I am talking about 2000 when we arrived in Barcelona, I have always tried to make his life easier. He played football, and I accompanied him how I could.”

The player has maintained his father handles everything and pleaded ignorance throughout . In that same Barcelona courtroom, the footballer claimed: “I didn’t know anything, I only worried about playing football.” His argument was that he assumed Jorge always had his best interests at heart and thus would sign any contract put in front of him without thinking too deeply about it. He went as far as to say he had only a vague grasp of the amounts of money involved.

The Messis thought the matter was concluded when they were ordered to pay €5m euros to cover unpaid taxes plus “reparations”, but they did not get off that lightly. They were eventually found guilty on three counts of defrauding the tax department and handed suspended jail sentences of 21 months. They also received astronomical fines — €2million for Leo, €1.5million for Jorge. The verdict led many to suggest the player’s carefully cultivated public persona was exactly that and he was far from the squeaky-clean figure of the popular imagination. But is that a fair assessment?

The truth is probably that Messi is neither hero nor villain but a man who has taken little to no interest in anything beyond football since childhood. He had no problem taking money to promote tourism in Saudi Arabia and is almost certainly not too knowledgeable on the region’s appalling human rights record. At the age of 36, however, perhaps he should know better and care about things beyond the pitch. He would, after all, be a millionaire many times over even if he turned down such offers.

The Argentine has certainly given money to worthy causes over the years, but journalist Marcela Mora y Araujo, who has followed Messi’s career from the start, feels he deserves neither credit nor blame for any of his financial dealings:

“I doubt he has a political ideology. I know he endorses a lot of humanitarian projects, but in his head, I don’t know if he thinks of it as any different to selling razor blades for Gillette. He just likes football. He’s never pretended to be anything else.”

It is quite possible that a man noted for his gargantuan football brain simply doesn’t consider anything else in his life all that deeply. Indeed, the very fact that his father was handed and retained control of his affairs tells its own story. Tellingly, even as his career progressed, the Messis chose to stick with this arrangement .

One source has said: “Having Jorge as his manager is an advantage for Leo in some ways, as you can always rely on your father. But maybe also a disadvantage as sometimes you need someone more experienced. Jorge was not a specialist in business and suddenly he ran a big company called Lionel Messi Limited.”

Nobody with a background in business would have had sufficient training to cope with the demands brought about by Messi’s exploits on the pitch. To throw someone into the role purely by virtue of fathering a football genius seems like madness. The tax fraud situation was inevitable if a man earns that much money without paying proper attention to the world around him. Messi has only ever cared about what happens on the field and, almost inevitably, that has led to some difficulties off it.

• Lionel Messi’s millions: The man, the brand and the money
• ‘He sold himself to the devil’ – Messi, 2030 and a very uncomfortable deal with Saudi Arabia

Written by Darren Richman. Contributors: Pol Ballus, Luke Brown, JJ Bull, Felipe Cardenas, Mark Carey, Laia Cervello Herrero, Dermot Corrigan, Michael Cox, Adam Crafton, Michael Dominski, Sebastian Fest, Dominic Fifield, Jay Harris, Raphael Honigstein, James Horncastle, Simon Johnson, Oliver Kay, Sam Lee, Pablo Maurer, Nick Miller, John Muller, Caoimhe O’Neill, David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Peter Rutzler, Daniel Taylor, Paul Tenorio, Michael Walker.

(All photos: Getty Images; design: Sam Richardson)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Lionel Messi Biography Facts, Childhood, Career, Life

Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini (born June 24, 1987) is an Argentine professional football player, who despite the odds against him, turns things around and brings out a miracle when it’s least expected. He captains and plays forward for Barcelona (Spanish club) as well as the Argentina national team. Ever since he was a kid, he has entertained many with his prodigious skills, amazing dribbles, astounding swiftness and powerful shots. Now a global icon, he still adds to the thrill of the beautiful game of football. We discuss the life of Lionel Messi, fondly referred to as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) in our Lionel Messi biography facts, childhood, career and personal life. 

Our analysis includes Messi’s rise from being a football enthusiast at a tender age to now becoming the modern-age face-of-the-game, and how he overcame the seemingly insurmountable challenges that stood between him and his dreams.

Table of Contents

Lionel Messi Biography Quick Facts, Age

Here are some quick biography facts you should know about the Argentine professional football player.

Lionel Messi Childhood & Early Life

Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini was given birth to on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, to a steel factory manager, Jorge Messi and his wife Celia Cuccittini. Messi was the third of four children they gave birth to. He grew up in a family where the game of football was adored.

At a tender age, he played with his elder brothers before joining a local club, Grandoli, before moving on to Newell’s Old Boys. At Grandoli, Messi was coached by his father, but his grandmother accompanied him to his matches as well as training. He was thus affected by her. His unique style of celebration which involves looking up and pointing to the sky is a tribute to his late grandmother.

Messi’s dream of becoming a professional footballer was threatened when he clocked 10 years. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. As a result of his family’s inability to bear the expense of his treatment, they resorted to football clubs who saw Messi as a potential to bear the cost. After several setbacks, Messi’s treatment cost was paid for by Barcelona. After his transfer to Barcelona, he did not make appearances regularly in matches due to transfer issues with Newell as well as the unusual signing of foreign plays by European Clubs. After joining the Royal Spanish Football Federation, he began playing for Barcelona. Upon completion of his growth hormone deficiency treatment, he became a force to reckon with in the Barcelona youth team.

Lionel Messi Club Career

Fc barcelona.

Messi progressed through the ranks of Barcelona’s junior team, leading to his move to the senior team. He debuted for five teams in a season. During the international break, Messi was among the few players who helped strengthen the first team in the absence of the players. Messi finally debuted for the senior team at the age of 16. Messi’s wondrous performance earned him the friendship of Barcelona’s star Ronaldinho, who enabled him to have a smooth transition into the first team. His remarkable antics earned him a juicy contract in 2004 set to expire in 2012, the first professional contract he signed, had a buyout clause of 30 million euros which increased to 80 million euros.

In the 2004–2005 season, he became a regular starter in Barcelona’s B-team. However, he was a substitute player in the A-team, debuting for them in the league on October 16 against Espanyol. Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona as a senior team player on his 18th birthday. The contract was set to expire in 2010, with a buyout clause of 150 million euros. Messi caught the attention of European top clubs, one of such Inter Milan indicated interest in Messi, offering to triple his wages as well as pay his 150 million euros’ buyout clause. However, Messi opted to stay. In September of that season, his contract was updated and was set to expire in 2014. After acquiring Spanish citizenship Messi began playing alongside Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho forging a powerful attacking trio.

During the 2006–2007 season, at the age of 19, Messi became one of the best players in the world. Despite suffering injuries, Messi proved his similarity to Argentina’s legend Diego Maradona after several comparisons. A notable event which speaks of this truth was the 2006–2007 Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe, where he scored a goal similar to Maradona’s 1986 FIFA World Cup goal dubbed as the Goal of the Century. Following the decline of Ronaldinho, Messi became Barcelona’s new star, with Spanish media calling him “Messiah”. He emerged second third in the 2007 Ballon d’Or and second in the FIFA World Player of the Year Award. Following the departure of Ronaldinho, Messi was given the no.10 jersey and signed a new contract with an annual salary of 7.8 million euros, Barcelona’s highest.

In 2008, he came second in the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

He However won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Player of the year in 2009, at the age of 22. That season Messi had a successful campaign, winning the second consecutive La Liga title.

In 2010, Messi won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d’Or despite his failure at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Messi finished the 2010–2011 season as Barcelona’s all-time single-season highest scorer and the first player in Spain to pass the 50-goal benchmark. Thanks to his wonderful performance, Messi created a reputation for himself as a creator (no. 8), a scorer (no. 9) and an assistant (no. 10). He received the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or award as well as the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. Due to his numerous achievements, Messi was regarded as one of the best in the history of the game.

Messi’s incredible form continued, in 2012, he was bestowed with the Guinness book of record title for most goals scored in a calendar year as well as the FIFA Ballon d’Or Award.

In the 2013–2014 season, Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona which will see him at Camp Nou until 2018. After Messi sustained an injury and deemed unfit for Barcelona’s champions league match against Bayern Munich, the Catalan Giant were defeated 7-0 on aggregate. Barcelona was heavily criticized for their dismal performance which shows their dependence on the Argentine star. His campaign that season was the worst he had in five years. He signed a new contract with Barcelona which saw his salary increase from 20 million euros to 36 million euros. Under the leadership of new coach, Luis Enrique. Messi became La Liga’s all-time top-scorer. He came second in the 2014 FIFA Ballon d’Or awards for the second time in a row. Messi established an attacking trio with teammates Suarez and Neymar which prove to be deadly to opponents. At the end of the season, he received the UEFA Best Player in Europe.

In the 2015–2016 season, Messi became the youngest person to make 100 appearances in the champions league. Messi also helped Barcelona claim the 2015 Club World Cup Final, where he was awarded the tournament’s Silver Ball. Messi emerged a runner-up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2016 Ballon d’Or award as well as the 2016 Best FIFA Men’s Player Award, he also claimed the Pichichi and European Golden Boot.

Messi also had a spectacular and incredible performance in the 2017–2018 season, but not spectacular enough to earn him the Ballon d’Or award. Messi was handed the captaincy in the 2018–2019 season following the departure of Andres Iniesta.

Lionel Messi National Team Career

The ace footballer has scored 65 goals in 128 appearances for the Argentina National team. He, however, has failed to extend his successful run with Barcelona to the La Albiceleste. Though he has always put up a good performance, every time he leads the La Albiceleste to a tournament, they end up crashing out in the quarter-final, semi-final or final.

In the 2006 World Cup, Messi who was pretty young was part of the Argentine squad who were knocked out in the quarter-final. Eight years later, on South-American soil, Messi led the La Albiceleste to a wonderful run in the world Cup before seeing his World Cup dream dashed after a late lone strike by their German opponents. The Copa America tournament has also been the same, emerging runners-up successively.

Lionel Messi Family & Personal Life

Lionel Messi is known to be an introvert as well as a reserved individual.

He began his relationship with his wife who he had known since the age of 5, at the age of 20. They got married in Rosario, in 2017. They gave birth to their first son Thiago in 2012, their second Mateo in 2015 and last Ciro in 2018.

Messi has a tight-knitted relationship with his mother, Celia whose face he tattooed on his hand. Messi’s father has been his agent since the age of 14, while his elder brother manages his daily schedule and publicity, his mother and brother, Matias runs his charitable organization, The Lionel Messi Foundation. Since 2010, Messi has been a goodwill ambassador for the UNICEF.

Messi also supports grassroots football. He has an investment with youth football team Sarmiento, based in Rosario.

Messi has also had his fair share of tax evasion charges. In 2013, he was investigated for benefiting in a network of offshore companies to evade taxes. Despite pleading ignorance for the tax evasion charges, Messi was found guilty of tax evasion along with his father and was sentenced to a suspended 21-month prison term and fined 1.7 million euros and 1.4 million euros.

Lionel Messi Highlights, Achievements & Awards

Tournaments won.

• U-20 World Cup champion (2005)
• Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa) (2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14, 2016/17, 2018/19)
• Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) (2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17,2017/18)
• FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011, 2015)
• UEFA Supercup (2009/10, 2011/12, 2015/16)
• Olympics Medalist (2008/09)
• Spanish Champion (La Liga) (2004/05 2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18)
• UEFA Champions League (2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15)

Individual Awards

• Golden Boot (2016/17)
• Striker of the Year (2014/15)
• Player of the Year (2014 World Cup, 2014/15 La Liga, 2015 Copa America)
• UEFA Best Player in Europe (2009, 2011, 2015)
• Top-scorer (2008/09, 2010/11 & 2013/14 Copa del Rey, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14 & 2014/15 UEFA Champions League, 2009/10, 2010/11 & 2011/12 Supercopa, 2009/10, 2011/12, 2012/13 & 2016/17 La Liga, 2011 FIFA Club World Cup)
• Top-10 Highest-Paid Football/Soccer Players 2019
• Top-20 Best Football Academies In The World 2019

Facts Check

At SportyTell.com, we strive for fairness and accuracy.

If you have concerns about something that doesn’t look right in this Lionel Messi Biography Facts, Childhood, Career, Life, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

About The Author

SportyTell Editors

This article was created by a combination of a few writers and editors from Sporty Tell. It's not rare for our writers and team members to collaborate and work together to create the articles you read on the site. This is just one of these examples. This is why you don't see just one author for this article.

Related Posts

So health defects cannot stop any footballer from achieving his/her dream, kudos to Messi

The Lion is the very best. My opinion.

LIONEL IS THE WORLD LOVE

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Culture History

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on June 24, 1987, Messi spent the majority of his career with Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer. Known for his incredible dribbling skills, precise finishing, and playmaking ability, Messi has won numerous awards, including multiple FIFA Ballon d’Or titles. In August 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after leaving Barcelona due to financial constraints faced by the club.

Growing up in a modest household in the blue-collar neighborhood of La Bajada in Rosario, Messi showed an early affinity for football. His father, Jorge Messi, worked at a steel factory, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, worked part-time as a cleaner. Lionel Messi’s upbringing was marked by the close-knit support of his tight-knit family.

Messi’s talent became apparent at a young age when he joined the local club, Newell’s Old Boys, at the age of six. His prodigious skills on the ball immediately caught the attention of coaches and spectators alike. However, Messi’s early years were not without challenges. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that stunted his physical development. To afford the necessary medical treatment, Messi’s family sought assistance from Barcelona, who expressed interest in the young prodigy.

In 2000, Messi and his family made the life-altering decision to move to Barcelona, where he joined the youth academy, La Masia. The relocation meant separation from his family and the familiar surroundings of Rosario, but it was a pivotal moment that would shape Messi’s destiny. At La Masia, under the guidance of coaches like Frank Rijkaard, Messi’s talent blossomed, and he quickly rose through the ranks of Barcelona’s youth system.

Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in an official competition. His early performances hinted at the extraordinary talent that would soon captivate the football world. Messi’s playing style was characterized by an unparalleled combination of speed, agility, close ball control, and an uncanny ability to navigate through defenses.

As Messi continued to impress, it became evident that he was destined for greatness. In the 2006-2007 season, Messi’s impact on Barcelona’s success became more pronounced. He played a crucial role in Barcelona winning the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League, marking the beginning of a trophy-laden era for both Messi and the club.

Messi’s partnership with Ronaldinho, another footballing icon, during the mid-2000s was instrumental in Barcelona’s success. The Brazilian forward passed the torch to Messi, recognizing his extraordinary talent. Messi’s prolific goal-scoring, playmaking abilities, and mesmerizing dribbles established him as the team’s talisman.

The 2008-2009 season was a watershed moment in Messi’s career. Under the management of Pep Guardiola, Barcelona achieved unprecedented success. Messi’s performances were nothing short of spectacular, as he led the team to a historic treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Individually, Messi was awarded his first Ballon d’Or, recognizing him as the world’s best player.

Messi’s remarkable consistency continued in the subsequent years. He went on to win four more Ballon d’Or awards consecutively from 2009 to 2012, solidifying his status as the preeminent footballer of his generation. His goal-scoring exploits reached extraordinary levels, and his partnership with teammates such as Xavi Hernandez and Andrés Iniesta in Barcelona’s midfield became legendary.

The 2010-2011 season showcased Messi’s evolution as a complete player. He not only scored goals with astonishing frequency but also became a prolific playmaker, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s attacking prowess. His ability to create chances for his teammates added a new dimension to his game, making him an even more formidable force on the pitch.

Barcelona’s dominance in domestic and international competitions continued, with Messi playing a central role in the team’s success. The style of play under Guardiola, known as “tiki-taka,” emphasized quick, intricate passing and ball retention, a style perfectly suited to Messi’s strengths. During this period, Messi’s goal-scoring records, including the most goals in a calendar year, continued to rewrite football history.

In 2012, Messi achieved another milestone by becoming Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous record held by César Rodríguez. His goal-scoring prowess and individual brilliance continued to captivate audiences worldwide.

However, amidst his success with Barcelona, Messi faced challenges on the international stage. Critics often pointed to his perceived inability to replicate his club success with the Argentina national team. Despite reaching the finals of major tournaments, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Copa America, Argentina fell short, adding a layer of complexity to Messi’s legacy.

The 2014-2015 season saw Messi reach new heights. Under the management of Luis Enrique, Barcelona secured a historic second treble, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Messi’s partnership with Neymar and Luis Suárez in Barcelona’s front three, often referred to as “MSN,” produced dazzling attacking football. Messi’s performances earned him his fifth Ballon d’Or in 2015.

As Messi continued to set records and break new ground, the 2017-2018 season brought a seismic shift in his career. Barcelona faced a stunning defeat in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against AS Roma. The disappointment was compounded by a shocking 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in the semi-finals of the same competition the following season. These setbacks added fuel to speculation about Messi’s future at Barcelona.

In August 2020, Messi sent shockwaves through the footballing world when he expressed his desire to leave Barcelona. A contractual dispute and issues with the club’s management led to Messi seeking a new challenge. The situation unfolded against the backdrop of financial difficulties at Barcelona and a changing landscape in European football.

Ultimately, Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2021 marked the end of an era at Barcelona. The departure of the club’s all-time leading scorer was met with a mix of sadness and acknowledgment that Messi’s legacy would forever be intertwined with Barcelona’s golden era.

Messi’s arrival at PSG reunited him with former Barcelona teammate Neymar and introduced him to Kylian Mbappé, creating one of the most formidable attacking trios in world football. The move to PSG offered Messi a new challenge and an opportunity to compete in different leagues.

Off the pitch, Messi has been known for his philanthropic efforts. The Leo Messi Foundation, established in 2007, focuses on education and healthcare for vulnerable children. Messi’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond his footballing achievements.

In terms of individual awards, Messi secured his seventh Ballon d’Or in 2021, affirming his enduring excellence and continued influence in the sport. His ability to adapt, evolve, and consistently perform at the highest level has distinguished him as a once-in-a-generation talent.

Lionel Messi’s journey with Paris Saint-Germain continues. His impact at PSG, both on and off the pitch, is closely watched by football enthusiasts worldwide. Messi’s legacy, built on a foundation of exceptional talent, dedication, and humility, remains a defining chapter in the history of football. While his time at PSG unfolds, Messi’s influence on the sport and his contributions to both Barcelona and the Argentina national team are firmly etched in the annals of football history.

Lionel Messi’s career has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, his ability to overcome challenges, and his resilience in the face of adversity. From a young boy with dreams in Rosario to a global icon with a record-breaking career, Messi’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of the pitch. His humility, sportsmanship, and philanthropic efforts have further endeared him to fans around the world.

As the story of Lionel Messi continues to unfold, his legacy remains one of inspiration and admiration. The impact he has had on the sport, the records he has shattered, and the joy he has brought to millions of football fans make Messi a true maestro of the beautiful game. Whether wearing the colors of Barcelona, PSG, or the blue and white of Argentina, Lionel Messi’s journey remains a captivating tale of talent, triumphs, and an enduring love for the sport that has defined his life.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Lionel Messi Biography: Personal Life, Career and Achievements

Introduction

Quick facts about lionel messi, messi’s childhood and personal life, start of career of lionel messi, lionel messi’s career, what are lionel messi’s biggest achievements, stats and numbers.

To win recognition as one of the best to ever play the game is always an extremely hard goal, not only in soccer but in any sport . It’s even more challenging when other players have already won that reputation— let alone if someone from your own country did so.

Well, Lionel Messi defied the odds and did all of that. In a country where everyone thought that no one would ever come close to Diego Maradona , a relatively unknown teenager raised in Barcelona eventually proved them wrong. Argentina produced another legend after Maradona, and that’s Leo Messi. Here, let’s get to know more about him .

Lionel Messi normally needs no introduction, but for those who need context, he’s a professional footballer widely regarded as the best of all time , or at least one of them. He was born in Argentina but spent most of his life in Europe , where he played for Spain giants FC Barcelona since he was a kid. In 2021, Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain , which is just his second club in his fantastic career. Messi is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010.

• Full Name : Lionel Andrés Messi
• Nickname : Leo, La Pulga, La Pulga Atómica—The Flea, The Atomic Flea
• Birth Date : June 24, 1987
• Nationality : Argentina
• Height : 1.70 m (5 ft  7 in)
• Position : Winger, attacking midfielder, false nine
• Number : #10, #30

Lionel Messi’s Family

• Parents : Jorge Messi (father) and Celia María Cuccittini
• Siblings : Rodrigo (elder brother), Matías (elder brother), and María Sol (younger sister).
• Wife : Antonella Roccuzzo
• Children : Thiago, Mateo, Ciro

Lionel Messi’s Parents

Born and raised in Rosario , Lionel Messi comes from a working-class family that has been by his side throughout his entire life. His father Jorge worked as section manager in a steel factory, while her mother Celia worked in a magnetic oil workshop and occasionally cleaned houses for a living. Leo also has two elder brothers, Rodrigo and Matías , and a younger sister, María Sol .

Leo’s career, however, changed their lives . Jorge has acted as his agent since Messi joined the Barcelona youth academy, while his brothers eventually started to handle his businesses and professional brands. Still, his family—especially Jorge and Celia—has always kept a low profile despite the Argentine footballer’s rise to stardom.

Lionel Messi’s Wife and Kids

Lionel moved to Spain when he was only 13 , but he built his life with someone he knew from his childhood in Rosario: Antonella Roccuzzo , longtime partner and eventual wife. Having known each other since they were five, they got together as teenagers when Messi was already in Barcelona.

The couple has three kids: Thiago , Mateo , and Ciro . The first was born in November 2012, the second in September 2015, while the third in March 2018. Antonella became popular on social media , where he shares pictures of her family as well as her healthy lifestyle to millions of followers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Soccer was part of Lionel Messi’s life since he was a kid . He started playing the sport with his older brother and their friends in his native Rosario. Despite being smaller and younger than the rest , he was good enough to play with bigger boys.

It didn’t take long for him to start playing ‘formally’, being coached by his father at local club Grandoli when he was just five. A few years later, Messi hit his first big break when he joined the academy of Rosario giants Newell’s Old Boys , a top-tier football club.

An Expensive Treatment

Messi has always been shorter than his peers, so at some point in his childhood it became normal to see the rest being taller than him. But as he grew up, that became increasingly noticeable and it started to call the family’s attention . When he was just 11, Messi was diagnosed by doctors with a growth hormone deficiency (GHD) . This condition that barred his growth could be treated but it wasn’t cheap .

The Failed Interest from River Plate

Messi had to receive growth-hormone injections every night, but the medical bills quickly became too expensive for the family. His talent, however, continued to make noise and it eventually caught the eye of domestic powerhouse River Plate .

Unfortunately, River was unwilling to cover his medical treatment, which is why nothing materialized. However, a greater opportunity was in store for Messi.

A Life-Changing Opportunity 

A trial at FC Barcelona was just the beginning of something bigger for Leo, who made such an impression on coach Carles Rexach that the Spanish giants secured his signature as soon as they could. In fact, Barca were so desperate to acquire Messi that his first contract was signed on a paper napkin . On top of that, the Catalans took care of his expensive medical treatment.

At only 13, Messi joined Barcelona youth academy, called La Masia . His father Jorge supported Leo from the very beginning, moving with him to Spain while the rest of the family stayed in Rosario. Though adjusting to a new country was something new for him, Messi didn’t struggle to perform at his new club and went on to climb up the ranks until making his first team debut in 2005.

First Years (2004-2008)

Messi was promoted to the senior squad as a teenager and made his first team debut at only 17 years old , becoming the then youngest player to don the FC Barcelona uniform. 

Messi played his first official match for the club on October 16, 2004, coming on for Deco in the 82nd minute of a LaLiga fixture against Espanyol . That season, Messi also became the youngest goal scorer in the history of the Spanish top-flight.

A Big Decision: Argentina or Spain?

Messi’s progress at the Catalan outfit caught the eye of the Spanish national team, which tried to convince him to represent its youth teams. Messi, who had been given Spanish citizenship, declined the offer as he remained attached to his Argentine roots .

Nightmare International Debut

Having helped La Albiceleste win the U-20 World Cup, Messi made his senior international debut for Argentina in a friendly match on August 17, 2005—but nothing went according to plan. Only 43 seconds after coming on in the second half against Hungary , the 18-year-old Messi saw the red card for elbowing a rival in his neck while running towards the goal.

First World Cup (2006)

However, Messi managed to leave that behind and went on to be part of the Argentina roster for the 2006 World Cup, where he became the youngest Argentine player to play and score in FIFA’s flagship competition . His first goal in a World Cup came in a 5-0 victory against Serbia and Montenegro in the group stage. Argentina was eliminated by Germany in the quarterfinals, and people still question Jose Pekerman’s decision not to field Messi that day.

Olympic Success (2008)

But from then on, Messi became a regular starter in the national team. Following a painful defeat in the 2007 Copa America final, the rising Barcelona star led his country to an Olympic gold medal in Beijing 2008 . After the Summer Olympics , Messi’s club career reached new heights .

Rise To Stardom (2009)

Though Messi was part of the Barcelona roster that won the double in the 2005-06 season and established himself as starter in the next two years, his breakout season came in the 2008-09 campaign . With Ronaldinho gone, Messi emerged as the new superstar of Barcelona.

That year, Messi took his game to the next level by helping Barcelona secure the first “treble” in club history . That means winning the best three tournaments at stake: UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and Copa del Rey . The treble-winning team led by Pep Guardiola is widely considered as the best team of all time, and Leo played a pivotal role in its success.

Sextuple Year, First Ballon d’Or

With nine goals in 12 Champions League games (including the game-winner in the final against Manchester United), 23 goals in 31 league matches and six in eight Copa del Rey affairs, Messi made a strong case to win the first Ballon d’Or in his career . 

On top of that, Barca ended up securing the first sextuple in soccer history : Champions League, LaLiga, Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Spanish Super Cup. However, the best was yet to come.

Making The History Books (2012)

2012 was a historic, record-breaking year for Messi. After becoming the first player to score five goals in a single Champions League game, Messi surpassed Cesar Rodriguez (232 goals) as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer scoring a hat trick against Granada . 

On top of that, he also broke Gerd Muller ’s 39-year record of 85 goals in a calendar year (1972), recording 91 goals in 2012 . Far from being jealous, Muller said: "My record stood for 40 years—85 goals in 60 games—and now the best player in the world has broken it, and I'm delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic."

Needless to say, that wonderful year earned Messi his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or award, becoming the first player in history to win the prize on four occasions.

Tough Years with the National Team (2010-2018)

While Messi enjoyed worldwide recognition for his fantastic performances at FC Barcelona, he didn’t get the same kind of love in his home country . Though many Argentine fans admired Leo, his lack of success with the national team while he thrived in Spain made him a subject of criticism by the local media. In addition, he was also constantly compared with Diego Maradona.

To be fair, no other team could match what Barcelona did under Pep Guardiola. Regardless, Messi was made a scapegoat for Argentina’s failures in those years. He had blossomed as a Ballon d’Or player at Barcelona, but he couldn’t carry his level to the international stage.

2010 World Cup

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa was the first big blow in Messi’s international career. Not only was Argentina destroyed by Germany in the quarterfinals, but Messi ended the tournament without scoring a single goal . The team didn’t arrive to that competition in a good spot, but the expectations around Messi were still much higher.

2011 Copa America

Things only got worse in the 2011 Copa America . Despite being the host country, Argentina left a lot to be desired by losing in the quarterfinals against Uruguay. That tournament was particularly harsh for Messi, who was whistled by the home crowd as he finished the tournament goalless.

2014 World Cup

His image started to improve on the road to Brazil 2014, getting on the scoresheet from the very first game and putting the team on his back en route to the World Cup final . However, Argentina’s heartbreaking loss to Germany meant that Messi had yet to silence his haters, even though he won the Golden Ball award—given to the player of the tournament.

2015 Copa America

Despite the progress made in that World Cup, Messi had once again taken many steps back in his relationship with Argentinian fans and media. International glory continued to elude Messi in the 2015 Copa America, when his side lost to Chile in the final. But Messi hit rock bottom the following year .

Copa America Centenario (2016)

Having shone throughout the Copa America Centenario —held in the US in 2016 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the competition—it looked like Messi’s first piece of silverware with the Argentina national team was inevitable. But once again, Argentina finished runner-up as Chile stood on its way. This time it was even more traumatic for Messi, who missed his spot-kick in the penalty shootout .

A devastated Messi was seen crying after the loss, as his and Argentina’s wait for an international success extended. Having reached his lowest point since playing for his country, Messi said postgame he would quit the national team. The haters were still there, and their comments were even louder after that final, but many Argentinians were in shock as they saw their idol at an all-time low .  

Fortunately, Messi changed his mind a few months later . That doesn’t mean that things became easier, though.

Troubled Road to Russia 2018

Argentina struggled on their way to the 2018 World Cup. The soccer federation went through significant changes in its hierarchy, while the team had three different coaches throughout the qualifiers. In the end, Argentina clinched a spot in Russia thanks to a hat trick from Messi in the final round.

Disappointing World Cup

Argentina didn’t arrive in Russia in high spirits, and it proved costly . Messi missed a penalty in a 1-1 draw against Iceland, which was followed by an ugly loss to Croatia . The Barcelona star helped his side beat Nigeria to avoid a group stage exit, but Argentina then lost to eventual champions France . 

This time, the blame didn’t fall on Messi, as Jorge Sampaoli did a terrible job as head coach. Still, it was yet another sour World Cup for the best player on Earth. In all those years, Messi had better luck at Barcelona—but soon he would experience bad times there as well .

Last Successful Years with Barcelona

2013 was complicated for Messi. The soccer machine spent months on the sidelines with hamstring injuries but found a way to come back stronger, becoming the all-time top scorer in both La Liga and Champions League in 2014.

The 2014-15 was the last great season for Messi and Barcelona, as the club repeated the treble that year with a powerful offensive trio of striker Luis Suarez, Messi and Neymar . Additionally, the Argentine footballer regained the FIFA Ballon d’Or after losing to Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013 and 2014. 

Barcelona Goes Downhill (2018-2020)

Barcelona went through a tough period from 2018 to 2020, suffering humiliating Champions League eliminations in consecutive years. Roma , Liverpool , and Bayern have all handed Barca painful defeats , preventing them from making the final.

On top of that, the club started to experience financial problems with Josep Maria Bartomeu ’s board. All those woes combined almost drove Messi away from Barcelona. The Argentine footballer looked ready to leave in 2020 as a free agent, but it turned out that his contract didn’t allow it. 

Barcelona Farewell (2021)

Messi had no option but to stay for the 2020-21 season, his toughest year at the club. Once again, Leo was one of the few bright spots of the team but it was still a lackluster campaign as Barca was demolished by PSG in the Champions League and finished third in LaLiga.

Messi had entered the final year of his contract, but his mood had changed as Bartomeu left. Joan Laporta won the elections and, even with all the financial problems that struck the club, the outlook was much better. Therefore, though Messi became a free agent at the end of the season, he looked ready to re-sign .

However, in a shocking turn of events, the club told Messi he couldn’t be registered in LaLiga due to salary cap rules. And just like that, Messi left . Ironically, while he went through the hardest days at Barcelona, Messi finally found happiness with Argentina.

Redemption with Argentina (2019-2022)

It took a long time, but Messi changed the narrative with the Argentine national team. A mature Leo had emerged as the face of the team’s reconstruction under Lionel Scaloni after the 2018 World Cup. The team finished third in the 2019 Copa America, and from then on, there was no turning back.

Argentina strengthened itself in South America, getting off to a positive start to the Qualifiers. A new generation of players had come and Messi started to feel more comfortable with them. Eventually, Argentina started to string good results together and it proved a point in the 2021 Copa America.

2021 Copa America Triumph

Messi’s wait for an elusive international title came to an end in epic fashion, with Argentina beating rivals and host country Brazil in the final at the Maracana . La Albiceleste ended a 28-year drought, and Messi achieved his first major success with the senior national team .

Since then, Messi has received nothing but love from the Argentine community . Besides, he continued to lead the team en route to a Qatar 2022 berth and a memorable Finalissima trophy. 

Qatar 2022: The Wait Comes to an End

At Qatar 2022, the inevitable finally happened: Lionel Messi got his hands on the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy. In one of the best performances ever seen in tournament history, the 35-year-old broke all kinds of records to emulate Maradona and take Argentina back to the promised land. For many, the GOAT debate should no longer exist : with this title, Messi is widely regarded as the best soccer player ever.

A New Adventure in Paris (2021)

While enjoying the best moment in his international career, Messi had to make a big decision: Barcelona was no longer his club, and he had many offers on the table. In the end, Lionel signed a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021.

Though the expectations in the French capital were through the roof, Messi struggled in his first season at the Parc des Princes . The team won the Ligue 1 , but its early Champions League defeat to Real Madrid—in addition to Messi’s poor goalscoring record—made Messi target of criticism by PSG fans and French media. Messi got off to a much better start next season, replacing whistles for standing ovations.

Named World Player of the Year several times, Messi is widely considered as one of, if not the best soccer player of his generation. Many compare him with Cristiano Ronaldo , but for others they are not even in the same tier . Some believe Messi deserves to be compared to the likes of Pele or Maradona, but his true fans think he’s even better than any other player in history.

Renowned personalities in world soccer only have good things to say about Messi. For instance, Josep Guardiola: " Nobody can sit at Messi's table . He scores 60 or 70 goals per season, always in the big games; he plays every three days and never gets injured. He has his body under total control. He's the best player I've ever seen." However, Messi’s honors speak for themselves . 

List of Messi’s Awards

Club titles, fc barcelona.

• Champions League : 4 (2005-06, 2008-09, 2010-11, 2014-15)
• LaLiga : 10 (2004-05, 2005-06, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19)
• Copa del Rey : 7 (2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021)
• Club World Cup : 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
• UEFA Super Cup : 3 (2010, 2012, 2016)
• Supercopa de España : 8 (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019)
• Ligue 1 : 1 (2021-22)
• Trophée des Champions : 1 (2022)

International Titles

• FIFA World Cup : 1 (2022)
• Copa America : 1 (2021)
• Finalissima : 1 (2022)
• Olympic Gold Medal : 1 (2008)
• U-20 World Cup : 1 (2005)

Individual Honors

• Ballon d’Or : 7 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021)
• FIFA World Player of the Year : 1 (2009)
• The Best Award : 1 (2019)
• European Golden Shoe : 6 (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19)
• Pichichi LaLiga : 7 (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
• MVP LaLiga : 9 (2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19)
• Champions League top scorer : 6 (2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2014-15, 2018-19)
• World Cup Golden Ball: 2 (2014, 2022)
• UEFA Men’s Player of the Year : 2 (2010-11, 2014-15)
• Golden Boy : 1 (2005)
• MVP Copa America : 1 (2021)
• All-time top goalscorer at same club
• FC Barcelona all-time top scorer
• All-time leading goalscorer of Argentina
• Argentina’s top scorer at World Cups
• First player to score in all knockout rounds of a World Cup
• Most games played at the FIFA World Cup
• All-time top scorer in LaLiga
• Top scorer in the 21st century
• Top scorer in El Clasico
• All time international top scorer in South America
• Most games played for FC Barcelona
• Most games played with Argentina
• Most trophies won at FC Barcelona
• Most goals in a LaLiga season (50)
• Most decorated Argentine player

Though his many awards already speak for themselves, Messi’s stats continue to prove why he made a strong case to be considered the best football player of all time. 

Overall stats

• Games : 1003
• Goals : 793
• Assists : 350
• Cards : 95 (3 red cards)
• Opponents : 165
• Coefficient: 1.531
• Penalties: 108
• Free Kicks: 60
• Assists: 350
• Opponents: 102
• Players: 81
• Competitions: 11

* Source: MessiStats

Conclusions

The comparisons will always be there, whether it is fair or not. Either way, Lionel Messi has certainly given reasons to be regarded as one of the greatest soccer players the game has ever seen . 

Watch the best moments of Messi and other great players with The Highlights app. Sign up to the waitlist to be the first to know when the app is available.

Be the first to find out about our upcoming launch.

Lionel Messi Biography, Net Worth, Awards, Age and Many More

Lionel Messi is considered as the greatest soccer player today. He is not only a modern legend, but is also counted among the best of all time . Messi has a huge number of awards and records that speak volumes about his skills, but the real proof of his talent is on the field, where he plays to tell the world what an incredible footballer he is.

Lionel Messi Biography

Messi is known for nothing but his football skills, and it seems that the man likes to stay low and get known for nothing but football. He may not be the most expensive transfer, the wealthiest athlete, the most handsome celebrity, or a player with many talents, but Messi is a great footballer, and he means business.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi Newell’s Boys Career

Messi spent the early part of his career at Newell’s Old Boys club, based in Rosario, Santa Fey. He played here from 1994 to 2000. Messi joined the team at a tender age of six, and remained a part of the club for six years. During that time, he scored an around 500 goals, as part of the almost-unbeatable youth group, “The Machine of ’87”, which got its name from the year of Messi’s birth. Messi used to entertain the crowds with ball tricks in the half-time of the home games of his team. At 10, when Messi was diagnosed with a deficiency of growth hormone, the club offered to help pay for his treatment, but later withdrew their commitment.

He was also hunted by River Plate of Buenos Aires, but they, too, failed to pay for his treatment.  Messi’s family in Catalonia arranged a trial for him at Barcelona in 2000, and he joined the team in 2001, after much discussion amidst the team authorities. Although there were problems with the team after his transfer to Barcelona, Newell let go of their grievances by 2012, and embraced their long-ter relationship with the player. In fact, they even issued a membership to Messi’s child within 72 hours of his birth. Messi has plans to make a return to end his soccer career at Newell’s some day.

Lionel Messi Barcelona Career

Messi’s relatives in Catalonia helped him reach a trial with Barcelona in 2000, after which, Charly Rexach, the first team director, was so impressed that he wanted Messi. But it was not common back then to bring American players into Europe at such a young age, and the board of the team hesitated. In December, that year, Rexach offered contract to Messi on a paper napkin, because no other paper was available hand: he was that desperate to prove that Barca was committed to him. In 2001, Messi finally joined Camp Nou. In his first year, he hardly got to play, because of the transfer disputes. He only took part in friendly matches and in the Catalan league. This made him struggle to be a part of the team.

After spending a year at the youth team of Barca, i.e. La Masia finally joined the RFEF i.e. Royal Spanish Football Federation in February 2002. He underwent his treatment, and became part of Barca’s best youth tea, the Baby Dream Team. In his first full time season in 2002, he became the highest scorer Cadetes A with 36 goals in 30 matches. He defeated a severe face injury and continued his displays in the season, and at the end of it, he got approached by Arsenal, but he stayed in Barcelona, and has been the backbone of the team ever since. He has performed immensely well for the team, and has set many records.

Messi has helped his team lift several trophies, including:

• La Liga: 8 (2004–05, 2008–10, 2012, 2014–15)
• Copa del Rey: 5 (2008, 2011, 2014–16)
• Supercopa de España: 6 (2006, 2009–11, 2013, 2016)
• Champions League: 4 (2005, 2008, 2010, 2014)
• Super Cup: 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)
• FIFA Club World Cup: 3 (2009, 2011, 2015)

Lionel Messi – Barcelona

Lionel Messi Argentina Career

Moving to Spain to play for Barcelona gave Messi a dual citizenship and chance to play for both Argentina and Spain. However, Messi chose to play for Argentina, even after Spain pursued him after being tipped off about the young player by Rexach. He wanted to pursue his dream of joining Argentina. He became part of the U20 team of Argentina in 2004, and in 2005, he embarked upon his senior career at Argentina. At his national team, Messi is, without a doubt, the most important and dependable player.

From the very first season, he has been compared with Argentina legend Diego Maradona. Mess is the player upon whom the entire squad depends. During his tenure, Argentina has secured the FIFA U-20 World Cup of 2005 and the Olympic Gold Medal in 2008. However, with Messi as part of the team, Argentina has come close to winning several big tournaments, like the FIFA World Youth Championship 2004, the Copa America 2007, the World Cup 2010, etc.

From becoming the youngest player to represent Argentina in World Cup, Messi soon assumed the position of the captain of Argentina. Even as the leader, he has become quite iconic, leading his team close to many titles. In 2016, Messi announced his retirement during the Copa America. This was followed by a campaign to bring him back, as Argentina fans went crazy to bring him back. Thus Messi was compelled to withdraw his retirement plans.

Lionel Messi Childhood

Leo Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe. He was keen to play football from an early age, and joined his first club when he was just six. But soon, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. This could have put a stop to his soccer career. His treatment could only take place after he joined Barcelona. Messi’s family moved to Spain with him in 2001, so that Messi could play for Barcelona. After some time, he had to stay there with just his father, while the rest of his family moved back to Rosario.

Messi felt homesick. He was so quiet and reserved that the rest of the team initially had the idea that he was mute. Eventually, when he became part of the RFEF, he became friends with his teammates, including Gerard Piqué and Cesc Fàbregas, who have remained his friends. However, his best friend since his childhood was Lucas Scaglia, another football player, with whom he now has family ties. At 14, he underwent the growth hormone treatment.

Lionel Messi Family

Messi has always been very close to his family members. He was born as the third son of Celia Maria Cuccittini and Jorge Horassio Messi. Aside from his two brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, he also has a sister, Maria Sol Messi. Messi’s career-related issues are all handled by his family members. His father has been his agent since Leo was 14, while his brother, Rodrigo, handles his daily schedule, public relations, etc. Matias and his mother handle the charitable organization, Leo Messi Foundation, besides his personal and professional matters in Rosario. Messi has a particularly special bond with his mom, whose face he has tattooed on his left shoulder.

Lionel Messi – Argentine international

Lionel Messi Girlfriend

Lionel Messi is married to Antonella Roccuzzo, who is the cousin of his best friend and fellow footballer Lucas Scaglia. The two knew each other since the age of five. However, the two started dating since 2008, and after keeping things private for a year, Messi finally made his relationship public in 2009. They two had two sons before they finally got married in June 2017. Roccuzzo is currently pregnant with their third child.

Lionel Messi Children

Messi and Roccuzzo have two sons, Thiago and Mateo. Thiago was born in 2012, and to celebrate Roccuzzo’s first pregnancy, Messi put the ball under his shirt at the end of a match after scoring for Argentina against Ecuador. Messi has his first-born’s name and footprint tattooed on his left calf. Mateo was born in 2015. In October 2017, Roccuzzo announced her third pregnancy with a picture on Instagram, posting it with the title, “Family of Five.”

Lionel Messi Net Worth

According to Forbes in 2017, Lionel Messi is the second highest paid soccer player in the world, with an earning of $65 million. This includes his salary of $42 million, and endorsement money of $23 million, from his deals with major brands like Adidas, Samsung, Turkish Airlines Herbalife, etc. While nothing is known for sure, it is believed that Messi earns a salary of £26.5 million a year from Barcelona, as revealed during the recent discussions on how Cristiano Ronaldo has demanded the same amount of money from Real Madrid that Messi draws from Barcelona.

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo

Among the many football players of his time, Messi is mainly compared to Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo . Messi and CR7 have become the main representatives of their teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, and their rivalry is as big as the age-old Real Madrid vs Barcelona rivalry. They two are considered the best in their time. While Messi is ahead in terms of records, and the two have the same number of Ballon d’Or awards, It is mostly argued that Messi is a player with a better technique, and is pulled back because of his team. Ronaldo, on the other hand, is given greater credit as a showman, and an overall stature as a celebrity. Thereis constant comparison between the two by media, and they maintain a competitive but respectful relationship, as strong professionals. In terms of games, both for their respective clubs and countries, Messi appeared in 740 games, and made 595 goals, with 244 assists. CR7, on the other hand, has 628 goals in 891 games, with 203 assists.

Lionel Messi Awards

Lionel Messi’s displays have helped him earn many team and individual awards. The most prestigious among them his individual awards is the Ballon d’Or – Messi has earned himself five of this award, making him the player with the highest number of Ballon d’Or awards, along with Cristiano Ronaldo. After his performance in 2017-18, he is lined for his 6 th award. Aside from this, his other awards include:

• Ballon d’Or: 5 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015)
• European Golden Shoe: 4 (2010, 2012, 2013, 2017)
• FIFA World Player of the Year: 1 (2009)
• FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1 (2014)
• UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award: 2 (2011, 2015)
• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 1 (2009)
• World Soccer World Player of the Year: 4 (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015)
• La Liga Best Player: 6 (2008–12, 2014)
• FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2 (2009, 2011)
• FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball: 1 (2005)
• FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Shoe: 2005 (472)
• Copa América Best Young Player: 1 (2007)
• Copa América Best Goal: 1 (2007)

These are only a few of his enormous number of awards. He has earned himself many other awards, and if awards were a proof of the value of a player, Messi’s value would surely be sky high.

Copyright © 2018 https://sporteology.net All rights reserved. The information contained in our site may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority

Benefits of Finding Custom Basketball Jerseys

Best sporting betting app in california, best sports betting app in the us: enhancing your wagering experience, best tennis net 2023, 5 lowest paid wwe wrestlers, the story of lionel messi, the greatest footballer in history.

Lionel Messi is one of the most recognizable names in the world of football. He is a Barcelona legend, and many believe he is the greatest footballer ever. He has achieved tremendous success throughout his career, setting records and winning numerous awards. But what makes him so different from other footballers? This article will explore Lionel Messi’s unique style of play, his remarkable achievements, and why he stands out from other players in the sport.

Table of Contents

Early Years of Lionel Messi’s Career

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time and his career began at an early age. From a childhood prodigy to a world-class player, Messi’s early years have been nothing short of extraordinary. He has achieved success in every stage of his career, from youth leagues to international tournaments.

Messi started playing football when he was just four years old and quickly showed signs of greatness. His talent was undeniable, as he scored goals and made assists at an unprecedented rate for someone so young. Over the next few years, Messi continued to hone his skills and by the time he was 13 years old, he had already signed with Barcelona’s youth team. This marked the beginning of Lionel Messi’s journey to becoming one of the greatest footballers in history.

Lionel Messi’s Spectacular Performance

Lionel Messi is an extraordinary football player who has achieved remarkable success in his career. He holds several records and has won numerous awards, including six Ballon d’Or awards, making him the most successful player in the history of the award. Messi’s spectacular performance on the pitch has been widely praised by fans and critics alike. In this article, we will explore some of Messi’s records and achievements that have made him one of the greatest players of all time.

Lionel Messi’s Role in Barcelona’s Success

Lionel Messi is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time and his impact on Barcelona’s success story is undeniable. He has been a major part of Barcelona’s success story since he joined the club in 2004. He has won numerous titles with the team, including four Champions League titles and ten La Liga titles. Not only has he helped the team to win trophies, but his presence has also had a tremendous impact on Barcelona’s culture, making it one of the most successful clubs in world football . In this article, we will take a look at Lionel Messi’s role in Barcelona’s success and how his influence has changed the club’s culture over the years.

How has Lionel Messi Changed the Game of Football?

Lionel Messi is widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time. Throughout his career, he has been a football dynamo, scoring goals and creating opportunities for his teammates with ease. His remarkable achievements have had an immense impact on the game of football, and he has changed the way we view the sport forever. From his mesmerizing dribbling skills to his incredible passing ability, Messi has revolutionized the game in ways that no other player before him could have imagined. He has set records that may never be broken and continue to amaze audiences around the world with every match he plays.

Takeaways from Lionel Messi’s Path to Success 

Lionel Messi is one of the most successful and inspiring athletes of all time. He has achieved incredible success in his career, winning numerous titles and awards. His story is a true testament to the power of hard work, determination, and focus. In this article, we will look at some of the key takeaways from Lionel Messi’s path to success and what we can learn from it. We will explore his inspiring life story, his achievements, and what lessons we can draw from them to become successful ourselves.

Lionel Messi’s Off-Field Life & Philanthropic Endeavors

Lionel Messi is one of the most celebrated footballers in the world. He has achieved remarkable success on the pitch and has made a name for himself as a sporting icon. But, few people know about his off-field life and philanthropic endeavors.

The Lionel Messi Foundation is an example of his philanthropic work. Through this foundation, he works to improve the lives of children around the world by providing them with access to education, healthcare, and other necessities. In addition, Messi also contributes to various charities related to football such as Football for Peace and Unicef’s Football for Hope program.

The Value of Family & Friendships in the Life of Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is a well-known soccer player, who has achieved immense success in his career. However, behind all the fame and glory, he has a strong support system of family and friends that constantly motivate him to reach greater heights.

Messi’s family consists of his parents Jorge and Celia, as well as siblings Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. His wife Antonella Roccuzzo completes the family unit. In addition to this, Messi also has close friendships with fellow professional footballers such as Luis Suárez and Neymar Jr., both of whom are also from Argentina.

The importance of family and friendships in Lionel Messi’s life cannot be overstated. They provide him with the emotional support he needs to stay focused on his goals while also providing him with an invaluable source of inspiration for his work on the field.

Lionel Messi is widely considered to be the greatest soccer player of all time and his impact on the sport has been undeniable. His emergence as a young footballer in Barcelona changed the way people viewed soccer, inspiring countless young footballers to pursue their dreams of becoming professional players. He has revolutionized the game with his unique style of play and made it more exciting for fans all over the world. His incredible achievements have also helped resolve the debate on who is the greatest ever soccer player, with many now agreeing that Messi is indeed that person.

Read also:- Simona Halep: Breaking Records and Redefining Excellence in Women’s Tennis

• Mamali https://nationalsportsweb.com/author/mamali/ Greatest Moments of Giannis Antetokounmpo's Career
• Mamali https://nationalsportsweb.com/author/mamali/ Unlocking the Secrets to Magnus Carlsen's Chess Grandmaster Success
• Mamali https://nationalsportsweb.com/author/mamali/ Everything You Need to Know About Brock Lesnar's Life and Performance
• Mamali https://nationalsportsweb.com/author/mamali/ Usain Bolt - The Phenomenal Journey of the Fastest Man Alive

Related articles

Guide to the fastest nfl players of..., top 10 safeties in nfl history, top 10 middle linebackers of all time, everything you know about neymar’s life, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Share article

Latest articles.

[email protected] | © Copyright - Noob | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

• Sports Stars
• Hall of Fame
• Hall of Fame List

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini

Awards and achievements-.

• Part of the national team of Argentina that clinched the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics
• Benefitted his national team with his commendable goals at various international soccer events including the FIFA World Cup of 2014, CONMEBOL Copa America Football Championships of 2007, 2015 and 2016
• Aided the national team to bag the FIFA U-20 World Cup of 2005. The same year, Messi with the national team, earned a bronze medal at the South American U-20 Championship , held in Colombia
• Received the prestigious award of FIFA Ballon d'Or/Ballon d'Or for a record five times (in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015)
• Honoured with the European Golden Shoe for the season 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19
• Elected as the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009
• Received the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball in 2014
• Received  the Copa América Golden Ball in 2015
• Entitled as the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award in 2011, 2015
• Entitled as the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2009
• Received the honour of Onze d'Or for the season 2009, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2017-18
• Selected the Globe Soccer Awards Best Player of the Year in 2015
• Entitled as the La Liga Best Player 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2017-18
• Bagged the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball in 2009, 2011 and the FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball in 2015
• Entitled as the FIFA Club World Cup Final Most Valuable Player in 2009, 2011
• Received the FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe in 2005
• Entitled as the Copa América Best Young Player in 2007
• Entitled as the FIFPro Young World Player of the Year in 2006, 2007, 2008
• Received the Bravo Award in 2007
• Honoured with the title of the Golden Boy ( Young European Footballer of the Year ) in 2005
• Selected the La Liga Player of the Month in January 2016, April 2017, April 2018, September 2018, March 2019

I have changed nothing, my style of play is still that of a child. I know that above all it is my job and that I should approach it in another way, but one must not lose sight of the fact that football is a game. It is imperative one plays to amuse oneself, to be happy. That is what children do and I do the same thing.

The history of football has already registered many of extraordinary goals that led footballers to add many feathers in their cap but this player of Argentina's national squad do it like magic. Yes, we are talking about Lionel Messi whose sole agenda is to get the kick out of playing whenever he enters the field and that's what makes him and his game different from the others. It takes a very short span to this Argentine player to rise as a soccer star and earn his much deserving place but on the terms of lots of patience, sweat and practice against the football giants especially the Ronaldo . Messi's records are often compared with Cristiano Ronaldo , and there is always a matter of prediction that who is going to break those records. Of course, there are fine documentaries and films based on his life and exemplary journey to become a FIFA Ferro , but if you're a person who believes more in reading, this article is going to be worth for you....

Childhood and Personal life

Photo Credits:  commons.wikimedia.org

Messi is amongst those persons who have born talent, but it took a lot to nourish his potentials as a child. Messi's childhood was spent in Rosario along with his parents and three siblings . Messi develop his immense love and passion for soccer since his childhood and the whole family appreciated and supported his efforts. In 1994 , Messi joined the Newell's Old Boys , a top-division football club of Rosario . Messi switched to Barcelona when he was 13 and got enrolled with FC Barcelona's under-14 soccer team. At the age of 16 , he was given an opportunity for the informal debut during Barcelona's friendly match.

Football Career

Photo Credits: commons.wikimedia.org

Inspite of his balanced techniques and versatile playing format, everything was not smooth with him. The boy at his teenage was suffering from a growth hormone disorder or GHD that tended to inhibit his career, but Messi didn't fall and determined a way to become a football star with more practice and treatment sessions. In the season 2004-05 , the  17 -year-old Messi became the youngest official player and goal scorer of La Liga . In 2005 FIFA season, Messi proved his worth with his excellent timing and perfect goal strategy and the national squad of Argentina clinched the FIFA World Cup . In 2006 , Messi along with the Team of Barcelona , won the European Champions League . Within two years, he cemented his place in the row of the most dominant players of the world and aided his team to win three major European club titles.

During the 2008-09 season, Messi aided Barcelona with 38 goals in 51 matches and bested Ronaldo for the title of the FIFA World Player of the Year . Of course, trailing his career journey, we can't miss mentioning his Olympic performance, where he aided Argentina with his two significant goals with amazing techniques and footwork. The same season, he earned the European Golden Shoe award and the following year, elected again as the World Player of the Year . Messi showcased his powerpack performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup by leading his team to the quarterfinals.

At 24 , he became the all-time leading goal-scorer of La Liga. During the 2014-15 season, he aided the team of Barcelona with 43 goals and clinched his fifth World Player of the year title.  In the next season, he scored 41 goals for Barcelona , winning the La Liga and Copa del Rey titles of that season. He topped another season with 53 goals and aided Barcelona to win its another Copa del Rey title. Even in season 2017-18 , he scored 45 goals for his club that bagged the Copa del Rey title for one more time.

Retirement and Return to the Sport  

Photo Credits: en.wikipedia.org

On Messi's first announcement for the departure from the sport in June 2016 , the President of Mauricio Macri urged him not to quit stating,

We are lucky, it is one of life's pleasures, it is a gift from God to have the best player in the world in a footballing country like ours... Lionel Messi is the greatest thing we have in Argentina, and we must take care of him.

A campaign known as " Don't Go Leo " was also conducted by the Argentine followers of Messi to resume playing. On 12th August, Messi reversed his decision to retire from international football and got enrolled in the national squad for the World Cup qualifiers . 

At present, Messi is counted amongst the most prominent and sturdy footballers of the world, and his records tally is a fair example of his excellence in the sport along with numerous examples of sportsmanship and humanity. He never breaks his link with his home team and clubs for which he used to play earlier. He is a perfect example of persistence and perfection, which is followed by many of the burgeoning footballers. Besides being a successful footballer , Messi has also donned the role of a brilliant product pitchman , a great father , a good friend and son . There are a thousand reasons why he is counted amongst the best players in the world not only because of his excellence with the football but also his supreme perception towards sports. Diego Maradona 's statement for Messi defines it all,

I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius, and he can become an even better player.

Credits : YouTube

What do you think about the above article?

• Click to add a comment...

• Click To Hide

Kindly log in to use this feature.

Your Account has been Suspended

Messi's role still undefined for Monterrey clash - Miami boss

Alejandro Moreno believes Lionel Messi is picking up injuries now because of the amount of games he's played in his career. (1:56)

• Lizzy Becherano

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino confirmed Lionel Messi's role remains undefined ahead of the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal clash against Liga MX 's CF Monterrey Wednesday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"We'll define [his role] tomorrow. Today I don't know, but he trained. We're still defining it, we still have 24 hours," Martino said at a media availability Tuesday.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, NWSL more (U.S.)

"Leo has an injury, and we have to manage his minutes. We have an important game tomorrow but we have to think that we're just starting April.

"For us, this is all just starting and we cannot put the conditions of our players at risk. We will determine fundamentally what is the best for Leo and every other player, and then we'll make the correct decisions," he added.

Messi could return to the pitch for the first time since March 13, when he was forced off after 50 minutes of the 3-1 Champions Cup win against Nashville SC . Following the match, the 36-year-old withdrew from Argentina 's squad due to a right hamstring injury and watched from afar as Miami faced D.C. United , the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC .

He finally trained with the rest of the squad on Tuesday morning, arriving minutes behind his teammates before joining the ongoing scrimmage.

Monterrey head coach Fernando Ortiz admitted Lionel Messi's fitness will be a "determining" factor in the first leg, but added that the entire roster is "worrisome."

"It's not just the players of names like [ Jordi Alba , Sergio Busquets , Luis Suárez and Messi], the entire team worries me, not just one name in particular. Miami is a very interesting team, they reached the same round as us," he told media later on Tuesday. "Those players are ones that have shown interest on an international level, but all of Miami worries us.

"They are a rival in the quarterfinals. They come with a special condiment, which is by my consideration the best player of all generations, that's the special flavor. But my players and this institution know that this is the rival if we want to go on to the next round."

He added: "I don't think we are the favorites. It's going to be a close game that can be determined in the details. I think whether Messi plays or not will be a determining factor, but I trust my players."

If Messi is passed fit, Monterrey has multiple players with experience in trying to stop him.

"[Esteban] Andrada and Maxi [Meza] played with him, [Jesús] Gallardo and myself who have faced him with the national team," said veteran Mexico defender Héctor Moreno. "Thanks to being on an experienced and valuable roster with great knowledge, the players don't ask me in particular for advice against Messi. We know we cannot give space to that type of player.

"My most recent experience with Messi was the World Cup, and I gave him half a meter and he changed the score and our World Cup path. We have to be vigilant of those types of situations."

Miami's team continues to be plagued with injuries even beyond Messi. Defender Nicolás Freire also trained ahead of the Monterrey match, but his availability will also be "defined tomorrow."

Defender Serhiy Kryvtsov is still recovering from the hamstring issue that kept him out of Sunday's MLS match, while Federico Redondo , Facundo Farías , Ian Fray and Robbie Robinson remain sidelined with long-term injuries.

"We have to face tomorrow's match with no excuses," Martino said. "The reality is we are currently under the conditions of having difficulties with injuries that affect us from competing.

"The feeling inside the locker room is we are always one week away from a full squad, then something happens a week later. We have been dealing with situations the past couple weeks, but we have the expectations of competing well with the absences that we have. But surely when we have everyone we'll be stronger.

Suárez has been the focal point of Miami's attack in Messi's absence and says the squad has the quality to cope without the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"[Messi is] a player that makes a difference, we know it," he said. "We'll wait until tomorrow to see if he's there but if he's not we'll do it like we did the other day and win the games without him. If he's there, we'll enjoy it more.

"We know it's a long season, we have a lot of injuries but we have a big team and we have a lot of really good players that can replace the others. Play continues, if the team stays together and keeps going forward that's the focus."

Miami bypassed the initial round of the Champions Cup by winning the inaugural edition of Leagues Cup in 2023.

The team then triumphed over Nashville, holding the MLS team to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the round of 16 clash before triumphing 3-1 at Chase Stadium the second time around.