Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi (born 24 June 1987, Rosario, Argentina) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and is widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. Over a career spanning more than two decades at the highest level, Messi has set numerous records in club football and international football, winning virtually every major individual and team honour available to him.

Early life and background

Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina, to Jorge Messi, a steel factory worker, and Celia Cuccittini. He showed exceptional footballing ability from a young age and joined the youth academy of local club Newell's Old Boys. At the age of ten, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that required expensive treatment. FC Barcelona agreed to fund his medical treatment in exchange for his relocation to Spain, and Messi moved to Barcelona with his family at the age of thirteen.

Club career

FC Barcelona (2004–2021)

Messi made his official first-team debut for FC Barcelona on 16 October 2004, becoming one of the youngest players ever to appear for the club in La Liga. Over the following seventeen seasons, he became the cornerstone of one of the most celebrated club sides in football history, particularly during the era in which Barcelona played a style of football known as tiki-taka under managers including Pep Guardiola.

During his time at Barcelona, Messi won ten La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and seven Copa del Rey titles, among numerous other honours. He became the all-time leading scorer in La Liga history and in the history of FC Barcelona. His partnership with players such as Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta is considered one of the most effective midfield-forward combinations in football history.

In August 2021, Messi departed FC Barcelona following the club's severe financial difficulties, which made it impossible to register his contract under La Liga's financial fair play regulations despite his willingness to accept a significant pay cut.

Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)

Following his departure from Barcelona, Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2021. His two seasons in France were considered below the standards he had set earlier in his career by most observers, though he contributed to PSG winning consecutive Ligue 1 titles. He departed the club at the end of the 2022–23 season.

Inter Miami CF (2023–present)

In July 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS), choosing the United States over reported interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia. His arrival transformed the profile of MLS internationally. As of the knowledge cutoff date, Messi continues to play for Inter Miami.

International career

Messi made his senior debut for the Argentina national football team on 17 August 2005, though his first cap ended prematurely after a red card just minutes after he came on as a substitute. He went on to become Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.

For many years, Messi's international career was viewed as falling short of his club achievements, with Argentina finishing as runners-up at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and losing three Copa América finals (2007, 2015, 2016). He briefly retired from international football after the 2016 Copa América final defeat before reversing that decision.

Major international titles

Copa América 2021

Messi led Argentina to victory at the Copa América 2021, held in Brazil, ending a 28-year wait for a major international title for the nation. He was named player of the tournament.

2022 FIFA World Cup

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, Messi delivered what many observers described as the defining performance of his career across a tournament. Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final on 18 December 2022, with Messi scoring twice in the match itself. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player for a record second time, having also won it in 2014. The victory is widely regarded as having cemented his status in the debate over the greatest footballer of all time.

Individual honours and records

Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards won by any player, having claimed the honour eight times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023). He has also won multiple FIFA Best Men's Player awards and UEFA Best Player in Europe awards.

Among his notable records:

• All-time top scorer in La Liga history
• All-time top scorer in FC Barcelona history
• Most Ballon d'Or awards won by a single player
• Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player
• Multiple UEFA Champions League top scorer seasons

Messi is frequently discussed alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in what has become one of sport's most debated rivalries regarding individual greatness.

Playing style

Messi is predominantly a left-footed forward who has played across several attacking positions throughout his career, including as a traditional centre-forward, a second striker, and most distinctively as a false nine — a role in which a nominally central forward drops deep to receive the ball and link play rather than remaining in the penalty area. His dribbling ability, close ball control, vision, and finishing are consistently cited by coaches and analysts as being at an exceptional level. His low centre of gravity is frequently noted as a physical attribute that contributes to his balance and agility.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lionel Messi considered the greatest footballer of all time?

Messi is one of the two players most commonly cited in discussions of the greatest footballer of all time, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Many analysts and former players place him at the top of such rankings, particularly following his 2022 FIFA World Cup victory. The question remains a matter of genuine debate.

How many Ballon d'Or awards has Messi won?

As of 2023, Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, more than any other player in the history of the award.

Did Messi ever win the FIFA World Cup?

Yes. Messi won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina at the 2022 tournament held in Qatar, defeating France in the final on penalties. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Where does Messi currently play?

As of the knowledge cutoff date, Messi plays for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer in the United States, having joined the club in July 2023.

What position does Messi play?

Messi plays as a forward. He has operated across multiple attacking roles during his career, most notably as a wide left forward and as a false nine — a deep-lying centre-forward — particularly during his most celebrated years at FC Barcelona.