Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history, holding numerous records and accolades throughout his career.
Known For
Early Life
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. From a young age, Messi showed a remarkable talent for football, joining the local club Grandoli at the age of five. His family was supportive of his passion, and by age seven, he moved to Newell's Old Boys, where he honed his skills further. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that required expensive treatment. When FC Barcelona offered to pay for his medical expenses, Messi and his family relocated to Spain. He joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, where he continued to develop his extraordinary abilities.
Career
Messi made his competitive debut for FC Barcelona in October 2004 at the age of 17. Over the years, he became an indispensable player for the club, achieving unprecedented success. His first major achievement came in the 2008-09 season when he helped Barcelona secure a historic treble. This season marked the beginning of a remarkable period for Messi, as he won four consecutive Ballon d'Or awards from 2009 to 2012. He set numerous records, including becoming Barcelona's all-time top scorer and the all-time top scorer in La Liga. Messi's tenure at Barcelona culminated in 34 trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. In August 2021, financial difficulties at Barcelona led to his departure, and he signed with Paris Saint-Germain, where he continued to excel. In July 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, leading them to their first MLS Cup in 2025, while also winning consecutive league MVP awards in 2024 and 2025.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Messi has amassed a staggering array of awards and honors. He has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, recognizing him as the world's best player. Messi also holds the record for the most goals in a calendar year (91) and the most goals for a single club (672). He is the all-time leading scorer for the Argentina national team and has won multiple titles, including the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the Copa América in 2021. His contributions to the sport were further recognized when he was named Time's Athlete of the Year in 2023 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Joe Biden in 2025.
Legacy
Lionel Messi's influence on football is immeasurable. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His unique combination of skill, vision, and goal-scoring ability has set a standard for future generations of players. Messi has not only redefined the forward position but has also inspired countless young athletes around the world. His records and achievements serve as benchmarks in football, cementing his status as a legend of the game. Beyond his on-field success, Messi's philanthropic efforts and endorsement deals have made him a significant figure in sports and culture.