Who is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history. Known for his extraordinary dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring abilities, Messi has won multiple Ballon d’Or titles and is the all-time top scorer for both FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
Contents
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Inter Miami (Major League Soccer) |
| Jersey Number | 10 |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
Career Overview
Early Career
- Messi began his career at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before moving to Spain to join the FC Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, at 13.
FC Barcelona (2000–2021)
- Messi’s incredible career at Barcelona spanned over 20 years, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances.
- Won 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League titles, and 7 Copa del Rey titles.
- Received 6 Ballon d’Or awards during his time at the club.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
- Moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after leaving Barcelona due to financial constraints.
- Helped PSG win the Ligue 1 title in 2022.
Inter Miami (2023–Present)
- Joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he quickly became a star and continues to break records.
Career Stats (Club + International, as of May 2025)
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Newell’s Old Boys | 1 | 0 |
| Barcelona | 778 | 672 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 75+ | 30+ |
| Inter Miami | 30+ | 22+ |
| Argentina | 180+ | 90+ |
Trophies & Awards
- 6× Ballon d’Or
- 4× UEFA Champions League Titles
- 10× La Liga Titles
- 7× Copa del Rey Titles
- Copa América (2021, with Argentina)
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2014)
- Copa del Mundo (2022)
- Olympic Gold Medal (2008)
- FIFA Best Player Award (multiple)
Playing Style
Lionel Messi is renowned for his:
- Extraordinary dribbling ability and close ball control
- Precision in finishing with both feet
- Incredible vision and creativity
- Leadership qualities both at Barcelona and Argentina
Personal Life
Messi, married to Antonella Roccuzzo, has three children and is known for his humble and family-focused lifestyle. Despite his worldwide fame, Messi has largely stayed out of the limelight, preferring a quieter life away from the media.