Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is a professional football player who is the current captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina National Team. As of the 2025 season, he competes as a forward in Major League Soccer.

He holds the distinction of winning more trophies than any other player in history, with 46 team titles to his name.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. The Argentine attacker stands 170 cm tall.

He began his organized career at age four with local club Grandoli, coached by his father and supported by his maternal grandmother, Celia. Deeply affected by her passing during his childhood, he pays tribute to her memory after every goal by pointing toward the sky.

Messi maintains close ties with his immediate family, who manage his professional affairs. His father acts as his agent, while his brothers and mother handle publicity and his charitable foundation. Despite leaving Argentina at 13, he remains deeply connected to Rosario, keeping property there and maintaining daily contact with childhood friends.

Lionel Messi has been with Antonela Roccuzzo, the cousin of his childhood friend, since 2008. They married in their hometown of Rosario in 2017 and have three sons born in 2012, 2015, and 2018.

Career

Messi’s career began in his native Argentina, where he played for Grandoli (1992–1995) and Newell's Old Boys (1995–2000) before joining Barcelona’s Youth Academy in 2000.

He quickly rose through the ranks, impressing with Barcelona C and Barcelona B between 2003 and 2005. His global potential became undeniable in 2005 when he led Argentina’s U20 team to the FIFA World Youth Championship title, winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.

He made his senior international debut that same year, eventually amassing 196 caps and 115 goals for his country.

From 2004 to 2021, Messi defined an era at Barcelona FC, scoring a staggering 474 goals in 520 appearances. His tenure yielded 35 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015).

His individual dominance was unprecedented; he won four consecutive Ballon d'Or awards from 2009 to 2012, adding a fifth in 2015 after securing a historic second continental treble. During this period, he also claimed Olympic Gold with the Argentina National Team in 2008 and led his nation to the 2014 World Cup final, winning the Golden Ball.

After leaving Barcelona FC, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 titles (2022, 2023). It was during this time that he achieved his crowning glory: captaining Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he once again won the Golden Ball. This triumph, combined with his 2021 Copa América victory, solidified his legacy and contributed to his winning a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in 2023 and multiple FIFA The Best Men's Player awards.

In 2023, Messi moved to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami FC, making an immediate impact by winning the Leagues Cup. His influence continued to grow as he led the team to the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025, earning MLS Most Valuable Player honors in both years.

By 2025, his career achievements were further recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the United States, capping a career that includes 46 team trophies and status as the most decorated player in history.

Team Honors

• 2008–2009 - UEFA Champions League, Barcelona
• 2014–2015 - UEFA Champions League, Barcelona
• 2021 - Copa América, Argentina
• 2021–2022 - Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain
• 2022 - FIFA World Cup, Argentina
• 2022 - Finalissima, Argentina
• 2023 - Leagues Cup, Inter Miami
• 2024 - Copa América, Argentina
• 2025 - MLS Cup, Inter Miami2024 - Supporters' Shield, Inter Miami

Individual Honors

• 2009 - FIFA World Player of the Year
• 2019 - Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
• 2022 - FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
• 2022 - The Best FIFA Men's Player
• 2024 - MLS Most Valuable Player2023 - Ballon d'Or (8th award)
• 2025 - IFFHS All Time Men's World Best Player
• 2025 - MLS Most Valuable Player
• 2025 - Presidential Medal of Freedom