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Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest football (soccer) players of all time. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi began playing football at a young age and joined the youth team of his local club, Newell’s Old Boys, before moving to Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at the age of 13.
Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17, and since then, he has broken numerous records and won numerous awards, including multiple FIFA Ballon d’Or titles, which are given annually to the world’s best player.
He is known for his incredible dribbling skills, vision, precise passing, and prolific goal-scoring ability.
During his time at Barcelona, Messi won numerous domestic and international titles, including numerous La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles.
In August 2021, after spending his entire professional career at Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) due to financial constraints at Barcelona.
On the international stage, Messi has represented Argentina in multiple FIFA World Cups and Copa America tournaments. Despite facing criticism early in his career for not winning a major international trophy with Argentina, Messi finally achieved this feat when Argentina won the Copa America in 2021, defeating Brazil in the final.
Messi’s impact on the game of football is immense, and he is often compared to other football legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona. His skill, consistency, and longevity have solidified his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Lionel Messi Early Life
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, to Jorge Messi, a factory steel worker, and Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop. He grew up in a tight-knit family alongside his three siblings: two brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and a sister, Maria Sol.
From a very early age, Messi showed a remarkable talent for football. He began playing organized football at the age of five for a local club called Grandoli, which was coached by his father, Jorge. His talent was immediately apparent, and by the age of eight, he had already joined the youth ranks of his hometown club, Newell’s Old Boys.
Despite his early success, Messi faced challenges in his personal life. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which threatened to derail his football career.
His talent caught the attention of scouts from FC Barcelona during a youth tournament in Spain, and they offered to pay for his medical treatment if he moved to Barcelona to join their famed La Masia academy.
In 2000, at the age of 13, Messi and his family moved to Barcelona, where he began training at La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy. Despite being homesick at first and struggling with the language barrier, Messi quickly adapted to his new surroundings and thrived in Barcelona’s youth system.
Messi’s talent continued to shine as he progressed through the ranks at Barcelona, eventually making his first-team debut in 2004 at the age of 17. From there, he went on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time, achieving incredible success both individually and with his club and national teams.
Lionel Messi Career
Lionel Messi’s career is one of the most illustrious in the history of football.
FC Barcelona (2000-2021):
Messi joined Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, in 2000 at the age of 13.
He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17, and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in football.
Over the next 17 years, Messi became the heart and soul of Barcelona, leading the team to numerous domestic and international titles.
With Barcelona, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles, among other domestic and international honors.
Individually, Messi won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award multiple times, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
He broke numerous records during his time at Barcelona, including becoming the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021-present):
In August 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after leaving Barcelona due to financial constraints at the club.
His move to PSG marked a new chapter in his career, as he joined forces with other football stars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
Argentina National Team:
Messi has represented Argentina in multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments and Copa America tournaments.
Despite facing criticism early in his career for not winning a major international trophy with Argentina, Messi finally achieved this feat when Argentina won the Copa America in 2021, defeating Brazil in the final.
He has been a key figure for the Argentine national team, scoring crucial goals and providing assists in major tournaments.
Messi’s career is defined by his exceptional skill, consistency, and ability to perform at the highest level on both the club and international stages. He has left an indelible mark on the sport of football and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Lionel Messi Player Profile
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Argentina |
| Age | 37 years |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Parents | Jorge Messi, Celia María Cuccittini |
| Siblings | Maria Sol Messi, Matias Messi, Rodrigo Messi |
| Playing Position | Forward/Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) |
| Previous Club | FC Barcelona (2000-2021) |
| Youth Career | Newell’s Old Boys (1994-2000), Barcelona (La Masia, 2000-2004) |
| Senior Career Debut | Barcelona (2004) |
| International Debut | Argentina (Senior) – August 17, 2005 |
| Major Honors | |
| Club | Barcelona: La Liga: 10 titles (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19) Copa del Rey: 7 titles (2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21) UEFA Champions League: 4 titles (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15) Paris Saint-Germain: To be updated as per his tenure at PSG. |
| International | Copa America: 1 title (2021) FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1 title (2005) |
| Individual Honors | FIFA Ballon d’Or: Multiple (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015) UEFA Men’s Player of the Year: Multiple European Golden Shoe: Multiple La Liga Best Player: Multiple Copa America Golden Ball: 1 (2021) FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1 (2014) |
| Records | Barcelona’s all-time top scorer Most goals in a calendar year (91 goals in 2012) Most FIFA Ballon d’Or awards They have most goals scored in a single La Liga season Most goals in a single UEFA Champions League season |
| Style of Play | Exceptional dribbling ability Incredible vision and passing range Clinical goal-scoring ability with both feet and his head Remarkable balance and agility Ability to change the course of a game single-handedly Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, with his extraordinary talent, consistency, and records setting him apart as a true legend of the game. |
| Source of Wealth | Soccer |
| Salary/Winnings | $65 M |
| Endorsements | $65 M |
Personal Life
Lionel Messi’s personal life, while often in the spotlight due to his immense fame, is generally kept private compared to his professional career.
Family: Messi comes from a close-knit family. He is the third of four children born to Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini. He has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and a younger sister, Maria Sol.
Wife and Children: Messi married his longtime partner, Antonela Roccuzzo, in June 2017. They had known each other since childhood, growing up together in Rosario, Argentina. They have three children together: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Charitable Work: In 2007, he established the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on providing access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children. He has also been involved in campaigns supporting children’s rights, UNICEF, and other charitable causes.
Hobbies and Interests: Outside of football, Messi enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He has expressed his love for video games, with football-themed games being among his favorites.
Business Ventures: Messi has also ventured into business, with endorsements and sponsorships from brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei, among others. He has invested in various businesses and projects, including hotels and restaurants.
Messi’s personal life reflects a balance between his dedication to football, his family life, and his philanthropic efforts. While he maintains a relatively private lifestyle, his impact on and off the pitch continues to inspire millions around the world.
Lionel Messi Career Statistics
Lionel Messi’s career statistics are truly remarkable. Here are some of his key career statistics as of my last update:
Club Career:
FC Barcelona (2004–2021)
Appearances: Over 750 (exact number varies depending on the source)
Goals: Over 670 (exact number varies depending on the source)
Assists: Over 300 (exact number varies depending on the source)
Paris Saint-Germain (2021-present)
Appearances: To be updated as per his tenure at PSG.
Goals: To be updated as per his tenure at PSG.
Assists: To be updated as per his tenure at PSG.
International Career:
Argentina National Team (Senior)
Appearances: Over 150 (exact number varies depending on the source)
Goals: Over 80 (exact number varies depending on the source)
Assists: To be updated as per his international career.
Messi continues to play for Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentina national team, these numbers will continue to evolve.
Messi’s goal-scoring and assist records at both club and international levels are among the best in the history of football, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
Lionel Messi Honours
Lionel Messi’s list of honors and achievements is extensive, reflecting his extraordinary career both at the club and international levels. Here are some of his major honors:
Club Honors:
FC Barcelona:
La Liga: 10 titles (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19)
Copa del Rey: 7 titles (2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21)
UEFA Champions League: 4 titles (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
FIFA Club World Cup: 3 titles (2009, 2011, 2015)
Paris Saint-Germain:
To be updated as per his tenure at PSG.
International Honors:
Argentina National Team:
Copa America: 1 title (2021)
FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1 title (2005)
Individual Honors:
FIFA Ballon d’Or: Multiple (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015)
UEFA Men’s Player of the Year: Multiple
European Golden Shoe: Multiple
La Liga Best Player: Multiple
Copa America Golden Ball: 1 (2021)
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1 (2014)
Other Honors and Records:
Barcelona’s all-time top scorer
Most goals scored in a calendar year (91 goals in 2012)
FIFA Ballon d’Or awards
They have most goals scored in a single La Liga season
Most goals in a single UEFA Champions League season
These are just some of the major honors Messi has achieved throughout his illustrious career. His impact on the game of football and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time are unparalleled.
Lionel Messi Other activities and legal issues
Other Activities:
Endorsements and Sponsorships: Throughout his career, Messi has been the face of numerous brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, Huawei, and others. He has appeared in advertising campaigns, endorsements, and sponsorships, contributing to his substantial off-field income.
Charitable Work: He established the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007, which focuses on providing access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children. He has also supported various campaigns and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children around the world.
Business Ventures: Outside of football, Messi has invested in various business ventures, including hotels, restaurants, and other entrepreneurial endeavors. His business interests have expanded as he has grown his brand and influence globally.
Legal Issues:
Tax Evasion Charges: A Spanish court found Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, guilty of three counts of tax fraud in 2016. They used tax havens in Belize and Uruguay to conceal earnings from image rights, according to the accusations. The judge sentenced Messi to 21 months in prison, but later replaced the sentence with a fine, which he paid without serving jail time.
Leaked Contracts: FC Barcelona leaked details about Messi’s contract in early 2021, revealing that they had agreed on enormous financial terms with him. The leak sparked controversy and further scrutiny of Barcelona’s financial situation, contributing to Messi’s departure from the club later that year.
While Messi’s legal issues have garnered attention, they have not significantly overshadowed his football career or his broader impact as a public figure. He continues to be admired for his talents on the field and his contributions off the field.
Net Worth
Messi is the second highest-paid athlete in the world in 2024 and has earned approximately $1.15 billion in his career so far, according to Forbes. Messi owns a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio, maintains lucrative brand partnerships, and even owns a hotel chain.
Their networth is $600 million (£464m) and he is the world’s Highest-Paid Athletes.
Lionel Messi Philanthropy
Leo Messi Foundation: Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007 with the aim of providing access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children around the world. The foundation has supported numerous projects, including the construction of classrooms, medical centers, and sports facilities in Argentina and other countries.
Support for Children’s Healthcare: Messi has supported children’s healthcare initiatives, including funding medical treatments and surgeries for children with serious illnesses or disabilities. He has also partnered with hospitals and medical institutions to improve access to healthcare services for children in need.
UNICEF Ambassador: Messi has been a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF since 2010. In this role, he has supported UNICEF’s efforts to promote children’s rights, education, and healthcare worldwide. Messi has participated in various UNICEF campaigns and events to raise awareness and funds for children in need.
Disaster Relief: Messi has contributed to disaster relief efforts in response to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. He has donated funds and resources to support relief and recovery efforts in affected communities, providing assistance to those in need during times of crisis.
Scholarship Programs: Through the Leo Messi Foundation, Messi has established scholarship programs to support underprivileged children’s education. These programs provide financial assistance to students to help cover the costs of tuition, books, and other educational expenses, enabling them to pursue their academic goals.
Community Development: Messi’s philanthropic efforts extend to community development projects aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged communities. He has supported initiatives such as infrastructure development, access to clean water, and youth development programs, empowering communities to thrive and succeed.
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FAQ
Who is Messi’s sister?
Maria Sol Messi
Who is Leo Messi’s wife?
Antonela Roccuzzo
Lionel Messi / Wife (m. 2017)
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