Lionel Andrés Messi (born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and captains the Argentina national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and prolific goalscoring.
Contents
- Early Life and Youth Career
- Club Career
- 2.1 FC Barcelona (2000–2021)
- 2.2 Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
- 2.3 Inter Miami (2023–present)
- International Career
- Playing Style
- Career Statistics
- Honours
- 6.1 Club
- 6.2 International
- 6.3 Individual
- Legacy
- Personal Life
1. Early Life and Youth Career
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, to Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Despite his small stature, Messi’s talent stood out at Newell’s Old Boys, where he scored over 500 goals in youth matches.
In 2000, at age 13, he joined FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, after the club offered to pay for his medical treatment. His first contract was famously written on a napkin.
2. Club Career
2.1 FC Barcelona (2000–2021)
Messi made his first-team debut in 2004 at just 17. Over the next 17 years, he became Barcelona’s greatest ever player.
- Trophies: 34, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey, and 4 UEFA Champions Leagues.
- Records: Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, with 672 goals in 778 appearances.
- Key Seasons:
- 2011–12: Scored 73 goals in all competitions, a European record.
- 2014–15: Led Barcelona to a historic second treble.
- He became club captain in 2018.
- Left Barcelona in August 2021 due to financial constraints.
2.2 Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021.
- Won two Ligue 1 titles.
- Scored crucial goals and assists but had a mixed reception in France.
- Left the club in June 2023.
2.3 Inter Miami (2023–present)
In July 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
- Scored a free-kick winner on his debut.
- Led Inter Miami to win the Leagues Cup, the club’s first-ever trophy.
- His arrival boosted the popularity and commercial value of MLS.
3. International Career
Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005. He is the country’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer.
- Youth Success: Won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2008 Olympic Gold Medal.
- Major Finals:
- Lost the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final.
- Lost two consecutive Copa América finals (2015, 2016).
- Breakthrough: Won the 2021 Copa América, Argentina’s first trophy in 28 years.
- World Cup Glory: Captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Ball.
- Continued Success: Lifted another Copa América in 2024.
4. Playing Style
Messi is left-footed, renowned for his:
- Dribbling and close ball control.
- Vision and playmaking.
- Precise finishing and free-kick ability.
He is often compared with Cristiano Ronaldo in the “GOAT” debate.
5. Career Statistics
- Barcelona: 778 appearances, 672 goals.
- PSG: 75 appearances, 32 goals.
- Inter Miami: Ongoing, double-digit goals already.
- Argentina: 112 international goals (most in Argentine history).
6. Honours
6.1 Club
- Barcelona: 10 La Liga, 7 Copa del Rey, 4 Champions League.
- PSG: 2 Ligue 1 titles.
- Inter Miami: 1 Leagues Cup, 1 Supporters’ Shield.
6.2 International
- 1 FIFA World Cup (2022)
- 2 Copa América (2021, 2024)
- 1 Olympic Gold (2008)
- 1 FIFA U-20 World Cup (2005)
6.3 Individual
- Ballon d’Or: 8 (record).
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2022.
- Golden Boots: 6 (record).
- World Cup Golden Ball: 2014, 2022.
7. Legacy
Messi is regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history. His influence has transformed Barcelona, Argentina, and now MLS. He is admired for humility, consistency, and dedication.
8. Personal Life
- Married Antonela Roccuzzo (childhood sweetheart) in 2017.
- Father of three children.
- Known for his philanthropy through the Leo Messi Foundation.