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Lionel Messi
Born Lionel Andrés Messi
Argentine footballer, World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner
Biography
Lionel Messi is an Argentine footballer who captained his country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. He has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and spent most of his career at FC Barcelona.
Early life
Messi grew up in Rosario and joined Newell’s Old Boys as a boy. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, he moved to Spain at 13 when FC Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment, entering the club’s La Masia academy.
Career
He made his Barcelona first-team debut in 2004 and went on to become the club’s all-time top scorer, winning ten La Liga titles and four Champions League titles. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and to Inter Miami in 2023.
With Argentina he won Olympic gold in 2008, the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was named player of the tournament.
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2000age 13
Moves to Barcelona’s La Masia academy
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2004age 17
Debut
First-team debut for FC Barcelona
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2009age 22
Breakthrough
Wins first Ballon d’Or
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2012age 25
Record
Scores a record 91 goals in a calendar year
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2021age 34
Wins Copa América; joins Paris Saint-Germain
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2022age 35
Record
Captains Argentina to World Cup glory
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2023age 36
Joins Inter Miami
Notable Works
- 2004 FC Barcelona Forward Team / club
- 2021 Paris Saint-Germain Forward Team / club
- 2023 Inter Miami Forward Team / club
- 2005 Argentina national team Captain Team / club
Awards & Achievements
- Copa América 2024
- Ballon d’Or 2023
- FIFA World CupArgentina; Golden Ball 2022
- Ballon d’Or 2021
- Copa América 2021
- Ballon d’Or 2019
- Ballon d’Or 2015
- Ballon d’Or 2012
- Ballon d’Or 2011
- Ballon d’Or 2010
- Ballon d’Or 2009
- Olympic gold medalArgentina 2008
Personal Life
- Spouse / partner
- Antonela Roccuzzo (m. 2017)
- Children
- Thiago, Mateo, Ciro
Messi married his childhood friend Antonela Roccuzzo in Rosario in 2017. They have three sons: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.
Quotes
You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.
Birthday Facts
Did You Know?
- His first Barcelona agreement was famously written on a paper napkin in 2000.
- He scored 91 official goals in 2012, a calendar-year record.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lionel Messi's birthday?
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987.
Where was Lionel Messi born?
Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina.
What is Lionel Messi's zodiac sign?
Born on June 24, Lionel Messi is a Cancer.
How many Ballon d'Or awards has Messi won?
Eight, a record — most recently in 2023.
How tall is Lionel Messi?
He is about 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall.
Who is Lionel Messi's wife?
Antonela Roccuzzo, whom he married in 2017.
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