Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi (; born 24 June 1987), also known as Leo Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer. As of summer 2023, he plays for the Argentina national team and American club Inter Miami. At club level, he is best known for playing for FC Barcelona.

Messi is widely recognized as one of the best players of all time. His playing style and skills have been compared to the Argentine legend Diego Maradona. There is much competition between him and Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2009, Messi was included in the "World Player of the Decade 2000s", ranking second behind Ronaldinho but ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (who came third). Messi has played alongside many football greats, such as Ronaldinho, Deco, Samuel Eto'o, Luis Suárez, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, and Neymar. At FC Barcelona, Messi, Neymar and Suarez were known as MSN.

 Early life 
Messi was born at Hospital Provincial de Rosario in Rosario, Argentina. Messi is the third of four children of Jorge Messi and his wife Celia Cuccittini. He has two brothers named Rodrigo and Matias and two cousins named Maximiliano and Emanuel.

Messi's grandmother died when he was 12, and after that he generally celebrates his goals by pointing up in the sky in tribute of his grandmother.

 Club career 

 Barcelona 
Messi began football at a young age and his potential was quickly seen by Barcelona. He left Newell's Old Boys' youth team in September 2000 and moved with his family to Europe in February 2001. He officially signed with Barcelona in December 2000 on a napkin. They moved to Spain because Barcelona offered their help to treat his growth hormone deficiency, and Newell's didn't offer any help.

Messi played his first professional match at 17 years old on 16 November 2003 against Porto. He played the 2003-04 season with the Barcelona B team. He was promoted to the A team for the 2004-05 season, and made his league debut on 16 October 2004 against Espanyol as a substitute. He made his league debut at age 17, and became the youngest player to play for Barcelona's first team in an official competition. He scored his first professional goal on 1 May 2005 against Albacete Balompie from a sublime assist by Ronaldinho. The goal made him the youngest-ever scorer for the club at that time. Barcelona won the La Liga that season for the first time in 6 years, and won the league for a second time in a row along with the Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Champions League in 2006.

His first breakthrough season was in the 2006–07 season; he became a first team regular by scoring his first hat-trick of his career in El Clásico. On 18 April 2007, he scored a goal almost exactly identical to Maradona's "Goal of the Century" against England in the 1986 World Cup, where Maradona got the ball behind the halfway line on the right side and beat 4 defenders and the goalie to score. Messi's goal was similar to this; he received a pass from Xavi on the right side behind half-field, and then nut-megged an opponent and 4 others including the goalie before finishing off with his right foot inside the penalty box. In 2019, Barcelona fans voted it as the best goal in the club's history, receiving 45% of votes. After Ronaldinho left the club at the end of the 2007-08 season, Messi was handed the number 10 shirt. The 2008-09 season was arguably one of the most successful seasons in his stellar career. In this season, Messi scored 38 goals in all competitions, including one in the Champions League final against Manchester United that Barcelona won 2–0 as part of their treble. In the following 2009–10 season, Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions. That levelled to Ronaldo Nazario's record total for Barcelona. Messi also won his first Ballon d'Or in December 2009, and also won his second a year later. He scored again in the 2011 Champions League final against their same opponent two years earlier, Manchester United. Barcelona won 3-1. Messi won his third Ballon d'Or in a row that year.

 Paris Saint-Germain 
Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in August 2021 after spending his entire professional career at FC Barcelona. The transfer was one of the most significant moments in football history, as Messi sought a new chapter following Barcelona's financial troubles that prevented his contract renewal. At PSG, he was reunited with former teammate Neymar and formed a highly anticipated attacking trio alongside Kylian Mbappé.  

Messi's first season at PSG (2021–22) was marked by an adjustment period as he adapted to a new league and environment. In Ligue 1, he scored 6 goals and provided 14 assists in 26 appearances, a notable contribution but below his usual prolific standards. However, he excelled as a playmaker and displayed moments of brilliance. In the UEFA Champions League, Messi scored 5 goals in the group stage, including a memorable strike against Manchester City. Despite PSG winning the Ligue 1 title, their campaign was marred by a disappointing Round of 16 exit in the Champions League against Real Madrid.

The 2022–23 season saw Messi return to his best form in France, showcasing his ability as both a scorer and creator. He scored 16 goals and registered 16 assists in 32 Ligue 1 matches, establishing himself as one of the league's top performers. His partnership with Neymar and Mbappé, often dubbed the "MNM trio," delivered numerous highlights, although the team's overall success was mixed. PSG retained their Ligue 1 title, but another Champions League Round of 16 exit, this time to Bayern Munich, overshadowed their domestic dominance.

Messi's tenure at PSG concluded in June 2023, with the Argentine announcing his departure after two seasons. In total, he won two Ligue 1 titles and contributed significantly to the team's domestic success, but the club's continued failures in European competition remained a key narrative.

 Inter Miami 
On 7 June 2023, Messi confirmed in an interview that he was joining Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS).

 International career 

 Argentina 
Messi was allowed to play for both Spain and Argentina since he had dual-nationality, but he decided to play for his home country, Argentina. He led the team to the final game of the 2005 U-20 World Cup by scoring important goals in the knockout stages. Messi scored two goals in the final against Nigeria, and Argentina won 2–1. In addition to receiving a winner's medal, Messi was also awarded the Golden Shoe for most goals scored (6), and Golden Ball for best player.

Messi played his first game with the senior team on 17 August 2005 against Hungary. He came on as a substitute. However, he was shown a red card 45 seconds into the game for hitting an opponent in the face on accident while Messi was trying to pull the opponent off from his shirt. Messi scored his first goal for Argentina in a friendly match against Croatia on 1 March 2006. Argentina lost the game 3-2. He was selected for the 2006 World Cup by coach José Pekerman. In Argentina's second game against Serbia, he became their youngest player to play at a World Cup. He also assisted a goal scored the last one in the 6–0 victory. That goal made him the youngest goalscorer in the 2006 World Cup.

Messi won the 2008 Olympics with Argentina as well, as he assisted Ángel Di Maria's goal in the final against Nigeria in Beijing. Messi was made captain of the national team in 2011. He scored his first hat-trick with the country in his 68th appearance during a 3-1 victory against Switzerland in February 2012.

On 21 June 2016, he broke the top scoring record for Argentina by scoring his 55th goal with a gem of a free-kick against the United States in the Copa América Centenario. It was regarded as the best free-kick scored by Messi during his career. The record was previously held by Gabriel Batistuta with 54 goals.

 Retirement 
On 26 June, Argentina once again lost to Chile on penalties 4-2 in the Copa América Centenario final after a 0–0 tie. Messi missed his penalty in the penalty shootout. This was Messi's third consecutive defeat in a major tournament final with Argentina, and his fourth overall. A day after the match, Messi announced his retirement from international football. In an emotional interview after the game, he said he was very sad that he missed the penalty and also sad that he wasn't able to win any trophies in four finals.

 Return from Retirement 
He came out of retirement in October 2016 for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

After a slow start to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, he helped Argentina qualify to the next round of the competition by scoring the first goal in the 2-1 win over Nigeria.

Jumping to 2021 with the new coach, Lionel Scaloni, Argentina won the Copa America in June. With Dimaria's goal in the 11th minute, they beat Brazil 1-0 in their home ground. Which was one of the main reasons for Messi winning the Ballon dO'r for the record 7th time and counting.

In the mid-year of 2022, Messi and the Argentina team along with Lionel Scaloni beat Italy 3-0 and won the Finalissma trophy.

In the winter of 2022, Messi won the World Cup after scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists as well as winning the player of the tournament.

 Personal life 

 Relationships 
Messi has three children with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo. They are named Thiago Messi, Mateo Messi and Ciro Messi. Thiago was born on 2 November 2012, Mateo was born on 11 September 2015 and Ciro was born on 10 March 2018. On the bottom of Messi's cleats is the name of his first son, Thiago. 

Messi and Antonella married in June 2017.

 Charity 
When not playing on the field, Messi finds time to do charity work. He started the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007 which helps children in at-risk situations. Messi also opened a kids park for children living in a hospital in Barcelona. He also donated 1 million euros for the Covid-19 virus in Barcelona.

 Tax Issues 
In July 2016 he was convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to spend 21 months in prison. Messi was also fined two million Euros. Messi never went to prison, and the problem was be solved with probation. He told the court he "only played football" and did not know anything because he left his money problems to be dealt with by his father, Jorge Messi.

 Goal Stats 
GameShoot accuracyNumber of shoots for each gameAverage distance of shootsAssist per game1405181250420033062214455192560317065542117356230870316296541811050520011274191122452121329318014206221153341721630320017235191182642111931318120285202

 Club career statistics 

+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCopa del ReyChampions LeagueOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBarcelona C2003–04 Tercera División105———105Barcelona B2003–04Segunda División B50———502004–05176———176Total226———226Barcelona2004–05La Liga711010—912005–061762161002582006–07261422513036172007–0828103096—40162008–09312386129—51382009–103534311184453472010–1133317713122355532011–1237507311145660732012–133246541182250602013–14312865782046412014–153843651310—57582015–16332655764449412016–173437759112152542017–183634641062154452018–1934365310121050512019–2026212262113526Total47844075531411142822722629Career total51045175531411142822754640

International career statistics

+ Appearances and goals by national team, year and competitionTeamYearCompetitiveFriendlyTotalAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsArgentina20053020502006314172200710442146200861218220098122103201050521022011825213420125547912201353237620147474148201561238420161081011820175420742018411354201961441052020410041Total95374734180106

 Honours 

 Club 
BarcelonaLionel Messi at Barcelona's official website

 La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19
 Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020-21
 Supercopa de España: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018
 UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
 UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015
 FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015

 International 
Argentina U20

 FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005

Argentina Olympic team

 Summer Olympics: 2008
Argentina Senior team

 Copa America: 2021, 2024
 FIFA World Cup: 2022

 Individual 

 Ballon d'Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023
 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014, 2022
 FIFA World Player of the Year: 2009
 The Best FIFA Men's Player: 2019
 European Golden Shoe: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
 Copa América Golden Ball: 2015
 UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award: 2011, 2015
 UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2009
 UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2009, 2019
 La Liga Best Player: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15
 La Liga Best Forward: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16
 Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano (best player in Spain): 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
 Pichichi Trophy: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20“Messi Wins Sixth Pichichi Trophy, Extends Lead in European Golden Boot Race”. Sports Illustrated, 19 May 2019
 FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011
 FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2015
 FIFA Club World Cup Final Most Valuable Player: 2009, 2011
 FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Ball: 2005
 FIFA World Youth Championship Golden Shoe: 2005
 IFFHS World's Best Playmaker: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
 IFFHS World's Best Top Division Goal Scorer: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018
 Argentine Footballer of the Year: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
 Copa América Best Young Player: 2007
 FIFPro Young World Player of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2008
 Golden Boy: 2005
 FIFA FIFPro World11: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
 IFFHS World Team of the Year: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
 IFFHS World Team of the Decade 2011–2020
 IFFHS CONMEBOL Team of the Decade 2011–2020
 UEFA Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
 FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2014
 Copa América Dream Team: 2007, 2011, 2015, 2016
 Ballon d'Or Dream Team: 2020

 Notes 

 References 

 Other websites 

Category:1987 births
Category:Living people
Category:Footballers from Rosario, Argentina
Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2014 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players
Category:2022 FIFA World Cup players
Category:Association football forwards
Category:Association football midfielders
Category:Medalists at the 2008 Summer Olympics
Category:Olympic gold medalists for Argentina
Category:Olympic medalists in football
Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players
Category:Ballon d'Or winners
Category:FIFA World Player of the Year winners
Category:FC Barcelona players