Lionel Andrés Messi (born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF and captains the Argentina national football team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Messi holds numerous records, including eight Ballon d’Or awards and the most goal contributions in the sport’s history.

Early Life & Background

Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. From an early age, his extraordinary talent was evident. However, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency as a child — a condition that required expensive treatment.

At age 13, Messi relocated to Spain after FC Barcelona offered to fund his medical treatment and enroll him in their famed academy, La Masia. The move changed football history.

Barcelona Era (2004–2021)

Messi made his first-team debut in 2004 at just 17 years old. Over the next 17 years, he transformed Barcelona into a global powerhouse.

Major Achievements at Barcelona:

• 672 goals (club record)
• 474 La Liga goals (all-time record)
• 34 major trophies
• 10 La Liga titles
• 4 UEFA Champions League titles

Under Pep Guardiola, Messi led Barcelona to an unprecedented treble in 2008–09. In 2012, he scored 91 goals in a calendar year, the most ever recorded in professional football.

By the time he left in 2021 due to financial constraints at the club, Messi had become Barcelona’s:

• All-time top scorer
• Most decorated player
• Symbol of an era

Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)

In August 2021, Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain F.C..

Although his adaptation period was challenging, he still:

• Won two Ligue 1 titles
• Provided 30+ assists across competitions
• Won his record-extending 7th Ballon d’Or in 2021

After two seasons, he departed PSG in 2023.

Inter Miami & MLS Impact (2023–Present)

Messi joined Inter Miami CF in July 2023, immediately transforming Major League Soccer.

Impact in the United States:

• Won Leagues Cup (club’s first trophy)
• MLS MVP (2024, 2025)
• MLS Golden Boot (2025)
• Led Miami to MLS Cup title (2025)
• Signed extension until 2028

His arrival sparked “Messimania,” dramatically increasing MLS global viewership, shirt sales, and commercial value.

International Career with Argentina

Lionel Messi made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005. For years, critics questioned his international legacy after multiple final defeats.

Redemption & Glory:

• Olympic Gold Medal (2008)
• Copa América Champion (2021)
• Finalissima Winner (2022)
• FIFA World Cup Champion (2022)
• Copa América Champion (2024)

At the FIFA World Cup 2022, Messi delivered one of the greatest tournament performances ever:

• 7 goals
• 3 assists
• Golden Ball winner
• Scored twice in the final vs France

He became the first player in history to win the World Cup Golden Ball twice.

Lionel Messi is Argentina’s:

• All-time top scorer
• Most capped player
• Leading assist provider

Records & Career Numbers (2026)

As of 2026:

• 890+ senior career goals
• 400+ assists
• 1,300+ goal contributions (highest in football history)
• 8 Ballon d’Or awards
• 6 European Golden Shoes
• 46 team trophies (most decorated player ever)

He also holds records for:

• Most goals in a calendar year (91)
• Most goals for a single club (Barcelona)
• Most La Liga goals
• Most World Cup goal contributions

Playing Style

Messi is known for:

• Low center of gravity
• Elite dribbling ability
• Explosive acceleration
• Vision and passing range
• Left-foot precision
• Free-kick mastery

Originally a right winger, he evolved into a false nine and later a deep-lying playmaker. As he aged, he became more efficient, conserving energy while dictating matches through intelligence rather than pace.

Lionel Messi Net Worth (2026)

As of 2026, Lionel Messi’s estimated net worth exceeds $1 billion in career earnings, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in history.

Income sources include:

• Club contracts
• Adidas lifetime endorsement deal
• Commercial partnerships
• MLS revenue-sharing agreements
• Business ventures

Lionel Messi was ranked the world’s highest-paid athlete multiple times by Forbes.

Awards & Global Recognition

Messi has received numerous honors beyond football:

• TIME 100 Most Influential People
• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
• IFFHS All-Time Best Men’s Player (2025)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (United States, 2025)

Lionel Messi Legacy

Messi’s legacy combines:

• Longevity
• Consistency
• Technical brilliance
• Team success
• Individual dominance

From Rosario to Barcelona, Paris, and Miami — and from heartbreak to World Cup triumph — Messi’s career represents one of the greatest sporting journeys in history.