Career: football player, athlete
Date of birth: June 24, 1987
Age: 37 years
Place of birth: Rosario, Argentina
Position: Forward
Working leg: left
Height/weight: 170 cm / 67 kg
Marital status: married to Antonella Roccuzzo
Welcome to the official fan site of the legendary footballer Lionel Messi! Here you will find everything related to the life and career of this outstanding athlete. Lionel Messi is an Argentine footballer who has been among the best players in the world for many years. His mesmerizing play, ability to see the field and incredible technique on the ball have attracted millions of fans around the world.
Messi began his career at the famous La Masia academy of FC Barcelona at the age of 13. He quickly progressed and by the age of 18 he made his debut for the main team. Since then, he has become a key player for Barcelona, helping the team to win numerous trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League victories. At international level, Messi represented the Argentina national team, becoming one of the leaders of the national team. He reached the Copa America final three times, but it was not until 2021 that he finally managed to win the long-awaited trophy.
Messi has set many records during his career. He is the all-time leading scorer for Barcelona and the Argentina national team, and one of the most prolific players in football history. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or, the FIFA World Player of the Year award, six times.
Our website features detailed information about the life and career of Lionel Messi, including news, photo galleries, video archives of his best goals and matches, as well as performance statistics. We also offer exclusive interviews and features that tell us lesser-known facts about the life of this great footballer. Join us in paying tribute to one of the best players in football history – Lionel Messi!
Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the greatest player of the modern football era. His unwavering determination, his unique ability to outmaneuver opposing defenses, and his awe-inspiring dribbling skills have captivated fans from the very beginning of his career and continue to do so to this day. Messi’s illustrious career is marked by an extensive list of titles, achievements, and accolades. However, the Argentine forward maintains that individual awards are secondary to the success of his team. His relentless pursuit of collective triumph, rather than personal glory, is a testament to his unparalleled humility and team-first mentality.
Despite his unrivaled talent and the numerous honors he has earned, Messi remains grounded and focused on elevating his team to new heights. This remarkable blend of exceptional skill and profound humanity has cemented his status as a true legend of the game, inspiring countless fans and aspiring footballers around the world.
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in the Argentine city of Rosario. He comes from a mixed background, and his zodiac sign is Cancer. Messi grew up alongside his two older brothers, Matías and Rodrigo, as well as his sister, María Sol. His father, Jorge Horacio, worked at a local steel mill and also coached a youth football team in his spare time. His mother, Celia María, worked in the service industry.
Messi’s grandmother played a crucial role in nurturing his burgeoning talent. When Lionel was just 5 years old, she brought him to the amateur club “Grandoli” and convinced the family that the young boy possessed a unique gift that set him apart from other children. Messi never forgot the unwavering support of his beloved grandmother Celia, often dedicating his scored goals to her.
From a very young age, football was Messi’s primary passion. He played for the club “Newell’s Old Boys” in his youth. At the age of 11, Messi began experiencing growth hormone deficiency, a condition that often leads to stunted physical development and could have derailed his sporting aspirations. Fortunately, his parents made the necessary sacrifices, spending $900 each month on his treatment, and Messi’s health eventually stabilized. Today, the forward stands at 170 cm and weighs 72 kg.
Soon, Messi’s exceptional talent caught the eye of scouts from FC Barcelona, who invited the young prodigy to join them in Europe. Despite only completing 7 years of formal education, Messi went on to achieve remarkable career heights. It was later revealed that Messi and Roma striker Bojan Krkić are distant relatives, with their roots tracing back to the Catalan Perez family. Messi’s great-grandfather Ramón and Bojan’s great-grandfather Gonzalo were brothers, and Ramón’s granddaughter later moved to Argentina and married Eusebio Barón Messi.
In 2000, the young Argentine Lionel Messi moved to Spain and joined the youth team of the renowned Catalan club Barcelona. In his very first match, the prodigy scored an impressive four goals, a sign of the immense talent that would soon captivate the world. Over the next 30 games, he went on to net an astonishing 37 goals, a remarkable achievement for one so young. Three years later, Messi made his professional debut in a friendly match against Portuguese club FC Porto. His first goal for the Catalan giants came in 2005, making him the youngest player in the club’s history to score in the top Spanish league. Messi’s career soared to new heights in 2012, when he scored an astounding 50 goals in La Liga matches. That same season, he broke a 40-year-old record held by German legend Gerd Müller, netting 86 goals in just 66 games. This incredible feat cemented his status as one of the greatest players of his generation. During this period of dominance, Messi became the first footballer to win an unprecedented four FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, putting him in rarified air alongside his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi’s success even led filmmakers to make a documentary about the Argentine superstar, further enhancing his global fame and influence. In 2017, Messi extended his contract with Barcelona until 2021, with a staggering buyout clause of €700 million, underscoring his immense value to the club. In the following years, Messi continued to shine, winning a sixth Ballon d’Or and the prestigious The Best – 2019 award from FIFA, solidifying his legacy as one of the all-time greats. However, the COVID-19 pandemic that struck in 2020 had a significant impact on Messi’s finances, as the club was forced to cut player salaries by 70%. Despite these challenges, Messi’s humanity shone through, as he and his teammates were required to contribute to maintain the full earnings of the club’s ordinary employees. This selfless act demonstrated Messi’s compassion and commitment to the broader community, making him not just a football legend, but a true role model for aspiring athletes and fans alike.
In May, Barcelona players cautiously resumed individual training at the club’s facilities as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Lionel Messi, the team’s talismanic captain, demonstrated his continued physical fitness and readiness for the upcoming season. However, during this period, he unfortunately suffered a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for several weeks. When Barcelona played their first match after the quarantine break against Mallorca, winning 5-2, Messi was able to return to the pitch. However, the next match against Celta saw tensions boil over on the sidelines. Messi openly admonished assistant coach Eder Sarabia, a display that the media noted was not the first time Barcelona players had expressed disappointment with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Quique Setién. Despite the off-field turmoil, Messi remained focused on the pitch. In the Champions League round of 16 second leg against Napoli at the Camp Nou, the Argentine maestro scored a goal to help his team win 2-0 and advance. However, Barcelona’s campaign came to a crushing end in the quarterfinals, as they were defeated 8-2 by Bayern Munich – the biggest loss of Messi’s illustrious career. The Barcelona board began preparations for a new contract extension for their beloved talisman, offering him a reported €50 million per season until 2023. But Messi himself was considering leaving the club, frustrated by the team’s recent underwhelming performances and the dismissal of former coach Ernesto Valverde, with whom he had a close relationship.
Top clubs around Europe, including Manchester City, Juventus, Inter, and Lokomotiv, were eager to acquire Messi’s services. CSKA defender Mike James even expressed a desire for Messi to join Juventus and team up with his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo. In the summer, Messi deliberately began boycotting Barcelona’s training sessions and COVID-19 tests, signaling his intention to depart. Barcelona reluctantly acknowledged the possibility of Messi leaving, but only if his €700 million release clause was met. Through this tumultuous period, Messi’s human side shone through. Despite the tensions and his desire to move on, he remained a consummate professional, continuing to give his all on the pitch for the club and fans he had served so loyally for nearly two decades. Messi’s commitment to his craft and his teammates, even in the face of uncertainty, demonstrated the depth of his character and the respect he commands within the football world. The sum of the proposed contract seemed exorbitant to the footballer, especially since the current contract included a provision for a free transfer. Ultimately, Messi’s “fight for freedom” was unsuccessful – the player was forced to remain for the 2020/2021 season. He rejoined the team’s training sessions. The start of 2021 proved to be less than fortunate for the athlete. In January, while playing for the Spanish Super Cup, Messi received his first red card at the club level. The reason for the penalty was a blow delivered by Lionel to an opponent’s head. Later, in the 1/8 finals of the Champions League, Barcelona was eliminated from the tournament – the first time this had happened to the team in 14 years.
The press often published forecast articles, as journalists tried to guess which club the striker would choose when his contract with Barcelona ended. Some were even humorous. In January, a fictional chat between the player and Spartak Moscow appeared online. The short, ironic dialogue included only 2 phrases: Earlier, the media also reported that representatives of David Beckham’s Inter Miami FC were interested in the footballer. In May, it was announced that the striker had allegedly extended his contract with Barcelona. However, in August, the news broke that Messi had left Barça. The club’s press service reported that the contract could not be renewed due to the financial rules of the Spanish championship. Throughout these events, the focus remains on the human elements – Messi’s personal struggle, the emotional reactions, the media speculation, and the ultimately disappointing outcome. The rewrite aims to convey a sense of the humanity and real-world drama underlying the football narrative.
On August 10th, Lionel arrived in Paris and signed a contract with PSG until 2023, with an option to extend it to 2024. The footballer’s jersey number is 30. Since he transferred as a free agent, the French club did not have to pay anything for a transfer that could have been a record-breaking deal in football history.
In November, Messi won the Ballon d’Or award for the 7th time. This move to a new club after leaving his lifelong team of Barcelona was surely a bittersweet moment for Messi. After years of success and adoration at the Catalan club, he had to start anew in a different country and environment. The fact that he was able to join PSG as a free agent, without the hefty transfer fee, was likely a relief and a testament to his enduring value as a player.
Yet the transition could not have been easy, both professionally and personally. Uprooting his life, leaving behind the only club he’d ever known, and adjusting to a new team, new city, and new league must have been an emotional and challenging experience for Messi. The continued recognition of his talent with the Ballon d’Or win was surely a bright spot, reinforcing his status as one of the all-time greats of the sport.
Overall, this chapter in Messi’s illustrious career represents a significant turning point, tinged with both excitement for a new adventure and the bittersweet pangs of leaving his football home. The human drama and personal journey behind the headline-grabbing moves and awards adds richness and depth to the story.
In June 2023, the football world was abuzz with the news that Lionel Messi would be leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There was immense intrigue and speculation about which club the legendary player would choose as his next destination. Negotiations were reportedly underway with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who were said to have offered a staggering billion euros over two years. Meanwhile, his former club Barcelona was also making attempts to bring Lionel back home.
The details of Messi’s move to the American club Inter Miami were later officially announced, including his annual salary of $20.4 million – a figure that encompassed his base pay, signing fees, and bonuses. Beyond the business aspects, the personal journey was just as compelling. Messi’s eldest son had decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, entering the Inter Miami academy and joining the youth team.
By September, Messi had already scored 11 goals for his new club, with one goal and two assists in MLS play. The media speculation soon turned to the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, with Messi emerging as a leading contender alongside stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
In October, a documentary series titled “Messi Meets America” premiered on Apple TV+, giving viewers an intimate look not only at the stages of Messi’s signing with Inter Miami, but also his personal experience of moving and settling into a new country. The six-episode project humanized the superstar athlete, allowing fans to connect with his transition on a deeper level.
By the end of the year, Messi’s impact had extended beyond the pitch. Time magazine named him the Athlete of the Year, recognizing how the footballer’s high-profile move to MLS had generated tremendous excitement and renewed interest in the sport within the United States.
Throughout this chapter of Messi’s storied career, the human elements – the emotional challenges of leaving Paris, the pride of his son following in his footsteps, the personal adjustments to a new home – wove a captivating narrative alongside the on-field achievements and accolades. It was a testament to Messi’s enduring status as not just a football legend, but a global icon whose personal journey resonates as strongly as his unparalleled talent.
Lionel Messi’s journey with the Argentine national team has been a rollercoaster of triumph and disappointment. In 2008, he experienced the thrill of winning Olympic gold in China, a crowning achievement for any athlete. However, the 2010 World Cup brought heartbreak, as Argentina were humiliated 4-0 by Germany in the quarterfinals. Despite these setbacks, Messi’s dedication to his country never wavered. He amassed an impressive 68 goals in 136 appearances for the national team, cementing his status as an all-time great. In 2010, he was bestowed with the honor of becoming the youngest captain in Argentine football history, a testament to the trust and responsibility placed upon his shoulders.
The 2016 Copa América final in the United States dealt another painful blow, as Messi’s missed penalty kick contributed to Argentina’s defeat in a shootout against Chile. His emotional announcement of retirement from international duty following this loss underscored the weight of the disappointment, before he ultimately decided to continue representing his nation. The 2018 World Cup in Russia presented more challenges, as Argentina narrowly avoided an embarrassing group-stage elimination, only to be eliminated in the round of 16 by France. Messi’s frustration with his own performance and the team’s struggles was palpable, and he found himself at the center of criticism from the media. In the following years, Messi’s relationship with the national team continued to be marked by both highs and lows. A suspension from international tournaments in 2019 for criticizing the refereeing was a low point, but he bounced back to help Argentina win the Copa América in 2021, finally securing a major international trophy.
Throughout this turbulent journey, Messi’s unwavering commitment to his country and his desire to bring glory to the Argentine national team have been the consistent threads. The emotional rollercoaster he has endured, from the elation of Olympic gold to the anguish of World Cup exits, has only strengthened his bond with his fans and cemented his status as a true national hero, regardless of the on-field results. As Lionel Messi approached his 5th World Cup, the anticipation and pressure were palpable. Sports pundits speculated whether he could surpass the goal-scoring record of Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta, who had netted 10 World Cup goals during his illustrious career. At the start of the tournament, Messi had already scored 6 goals for his national team. The opening match against Saudi Arabia proved to be a shocking upset, with the underdogs emerging victorious in a 2-1 win. Messi candidly acknowledged his team’s poor performance, citing their monotonous play and frequent offside positions as the reasons for the defeat.
Despite that early setback, Messi’s determination and leadership shone through as Argentina progressed to the World Cup final. He scored crucial goals against Mexico, Holland, and Croatia, showcasing his enduring class and inspiring his teammates. In the final, Messi finally had the opportunity to etch his name in World Cup history. He converted a penalty during regular time to level the scores, and then stepped up to score in the penalty shootout, leading Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986. Messi’s heroics earned him the prestigious accolade of being named the best player of the 2022 World Cup, a fitting crowning achievement for a true legend of the game.
The emotional rollercoaster Messi experienced, from the shock defeat against Saudi Arabia to the ultimate glory of lifting the coveted trophy, encapsulated the human drama that makes the World Cup such a captivating spectacle. Messi’s resilience, skill, and unwavering commitment to his national team cemented his status as an all-time great, a player whose legacy will inspire generations of Argentine football fans for years to come.
Beyond his unparalleled success on the pitch, Lionel Messi’s compassionate nature and commitment to giving back have cemented his status as a truly admirable figure in the world of football.
Drawing inspiration from his own childhood struggles with health issues, Messi has channeled his wealth and influence into supporting sick children in Argentina through his charitable foundation. This organization tirelessly raises funds to provide expensive medical treatments for those in need, including teenagers with growth hormone deficiencies, demonstrating Messi’s deep empathy and desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
Even when faced with personal legal troubles, such as the 2016 tax evasion case that resulted in fines and a suspended prison sentence for both Messi and his father, the footballer remained resolute in his dedication to charitable work. He refused to let the allegations deter him from continuing to participate in vital fundraising matches, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the causes close to his heart.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented Messi with yet another opportunity to demonstrate his humanitarian spirit. During the enforced break from football, he utilized his platform to promote his business ventures, such as the Messi Store clothing brand, while also making significant financial contributions to medical centers in Argentina and Barcelona, underscoring his desire to support the frontline workers and institutions battling the global health crisis.
Messi’s journey, marked by both incredible on-field achievements and his steadfast philanthropic efforts, paints a portrait of a man who has not only mastered the beautiful game but also used his success to uplift and support those in need. This multifaceted legacy, blending athletic brilliance with a genuine concern for humanity, ensures that Messi’s impact will be felt far beyond the confines of the football pitch, inspiring generations to come.
In a testament to his enduring brilliance, Lionel Messi was once again named the FIFA World Player of the Year in January 2024, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats of the sport. The Argentinian maestro outshone Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski to claim the prestigious accolade for the third time in his illustrious career, a remarkable achievement that solidifies his position among the football elite.
Messi’s triumphs were further celebrated in a captivating new documentary series that premiered on Apple TV+ in February 2024. “Messi and the World Cup: The Road to the Top” delved into the athlete’s long-awaited triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at his journey to the summit of international football. The four-part series also featured poignant archival footage from Messi’s childhood, as well as insightful interviews with his teammates and loved ones, offering a unique glimpse into the personal life and motivations of the football legend.
However, Messi’s path to continued success was not without its challenges. In early spring, the Argentine icon missed several matches due to a hamstring injury, but upon his return, he quickly resumed his prolific goal-scoring and maintained his position at the top of the scorers’ race.
Messi’s remarkable resilience was further tested during the 2024 Copa America tournament. While he was unable to find the back of the net in the opening match against Canada, he still played a crucial role in his team’s 2-0 victory, providing an assist and becoming the all-time record holder for the most appearances in the prestigious continental competition. Messi’s determination was put to the test once again when he suffered an adductor muscle injury in the second match of the tournament, forcing him to miss the game against Peru. However, the forward’s grit and determination were on full display in the quarterfinal clash against Ecuador, where he stepped up to take a crucial penalty during the shootout, executing a trademark panenka kick that hit the crossbar but still saw his team advance to the semifinals.
In the semifinal match, Messi finally opened his scoring account for the tournament, netting his first goal and being named the Man of the Match as Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 to secure a spot in the final. In the decisive showdown against Colombia, Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 1-0 victory, earning his 45th career trophy before being substituted due to a leg injury.
Despite the setback, Messi’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the game he loves shone through once again, as he immediately began his recovery process, determined to overcome yet another obstacle on his path to greatness. Lionel Messi‘s remarkable journey, marked by both triumph and resilience, continues to inspire and captivate football fans around the world, cementing his status as a true legend of the sport.