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Article Summary
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and captains the Argentina national team. Born in Rosario, Argentina, on 24 June 1987, Messi joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at age 13 and went on to become the club’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals, winning 35 major trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues. In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in 2023, where he won the 2025 MLS Cup. On the international stage, Messi ended Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa América, followed by the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At the 2026 World Cup, the 39-year-old continues to break records, becoming the oldest player to score and assist in a World Cup match. He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, and they have three sons. His net worth is estimated at approximately $1.1 billion.
Table of Contents
- Early Life and Background
- Club Career
- International Career
- Major Achievements
- Personal Life
- Latest News
- Upcoming Projects and Events
- Recent Awards
- Career Timeline
- Career Statistics
- FAQs
- Key Takeaways
- Conclusion
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Born | 24 June 1987 |
| Birthplace | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Age | 39 (as of 2026) |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Inter Miami |
| Jersey Number | 10 |
| Nickname | La Pulga (The Flea) |
| Spouse | Antonela Roccuzzo (m. 2017) |
| Children | Three: Thiago, Mateo, Ciro |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.1 billion |
Full Biography
Early Life and Background
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on 24 June 1987 at the Italian Hospital Garibaldi in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He grew up in a working-class family; his father, Jorge Messi, worked as a manager at a steel factory, while his mother, Celia Cuccittini, worked in manufacturing. Messi has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol.
From a young age, Messi showed extraordinary talent with a football. He began playing for local club Grandoli, coached by his father, before joining Newell’s Old Boys, one of Rosario’s most historic clubs. At age 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His treatment was expensive, and despite Newell’s willingness to help, the family could not afford the full costs.
In 2000, at age 13, Messi was offered a trial with Barcelona. The club’s sporting director, Carles Rexach, was so impressed that he signed Messi on a napkin. Barcelona agreed to pay for his medical treatment, and the Messi family relocated to Spain.
Club Career
Barcelona (2000-2021)
Messi joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at age 13. He made his competitive debut for the first team at age 17 in October 2004, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in La Liga. On 1 May 2005, he scored his first senior goal against Albacete, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Barcelona’s history.
Over 17 seasons, Messi won 35 major trophies with Barcelona, more than any player in the club’s 123-year history. His haul includes 10 La Liga titles, 8 Spanish Supercopas, 7 Copa del Reys, and 4 UEFA Champions Leagues. He left Barcelona as the club’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023)
In August 2021, Messi signed for Paris Saint-Germain, winning two Ligue 1 titles during his two seasons in Paris.
Inter Miami (2023-Present)
In July 2023, Messi joined MLS club Inter Miami. He has made a profound impact, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup. In the 2025 season, he won the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and 16 assists.
For the 2026 season, Messi earns a base salary of $25 million with guaranteed compensation of $28.33 million under a contract that runs through 2028.
International Career
Early Years (2005-2014)
Messi made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005 at age 18, scoring his first goal in a friendly against Croatia. He represented Argentina in six FIFA World Cups, the first being in Germany in 2006. In 2014, he led Argentina to the World Cup final in Brazil, winning the Golden Ball award.
Copa América and World Cup Victory (2021-2022)
After years of near-misses, Messi finally broke Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa América. This was followed by the 2022 Finalissima victory over Italy and, most significantly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists.
2026 World Cup
At age 39, Messi is competing in his sixth World Cup. He has already broken multiple records: he became the first player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive knockout-phase games. He also became the oldest player ever to score and assist in a World Cup match, a record he already held. He is the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer and leading assist provider with nine, overtaking Diego Maradona. In the Round of 16 against Egypt, Messi inspired a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down with 10 minutes remaining, scoring once and creating another in a 3-2 victory. He now leads the Golden Boot race alongside Kylian Mbappé, having scored 8 goals.
Major Achievements
Barcelona (35 trophies)
- 10 La Liga titles
- 7 Copa del Reys
- 4 UEFA Champions Leagues
- 8 Spanish Supercopas
Paris Saint-Germain
- 2 Ligue 1 titles
Inter Miami
- 2025 MLS Cup
- 2024 Supporters’ Shield
- 2023 Leagues Cup
Argentina National Team
Individual
- 8 Ballon d’Or awards
- 8-time FIFA World Player of the Year
- 2-time MLS MVP (2024, 2025)
- 2025 MLS Golden Boot
- 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports (first individual footballer)
Personal Life
Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, 38. They met as children in Rosario, as she is the cousin of his childhood best friend. They reconnected in 2005 and married in 2017. They have three sons: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015), and Ciro (born 2018).
The family resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in a $10.75 million waterfront mansion. For the first time in Messi’s six World Cup campaigns, his wife and three sons are living in the host country during the tournament.
Latest News
As of July 2026, Lionel Messi is captaining Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals and has broken multiple records. On 12 July 2026, Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to reach the semi-finals. Messi failed to score for the first time in the tournament but provided the assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s opener. He is set to face England for the first time in his two-decade career in the semi-final in Atlanta.
Upcoming Projects and Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-Final | Argentina vs England, 15 July 2026, Atlanta |
| The Messi Experience – A Dream Come True | Immersive exhibition in India, March–June 2026 |
| Spider-Man: Brand New Day | Messi appears in promotional campaign |
| Inter Miami MLS Return | Chicago Fire, 23 July 2026 |
Recent Awards
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Princess of Asturias Award for Sports | Won (first footballer) |
| 2025 | MLS Cup | Won (Inter Miami) |
| 2025 | MLS Golden Boot | Won |
| 2025 | Landon Donovan MLS MVP | Won (second straight) |
| 2024 | Copa América | Won |
Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Born in Rosario, Argentina |
| 2000 | Joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy at age 13 |
| 2004 | Made competitive debut for Barcelona at age 17 |
| 2005 | Scored first senior goal for Barcelona; made Argentina debut |
| 2009 | Won first Ballon d’Or |
| 2014 | World Cup finalist; won Golden Ball |
| 2021 | Won Copa América with Argentina |
| 2021 | Joined Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2022 | Won World Cup with Argentina |
| 2023 | Joined Inter Miami; won Leagues Cup |
| 2024 | Won Copa América and MLS Supporters’ Shield |
| 2025 | Won MLS Cup and MLS Golden Boot |
| 2026 | Won Princess of Asturias Award; competing in sixth World Cup |
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | League Apps | Goals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 2004-2021 | 520 | 474 | All-time top scorer |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2021-2023 | 58 | 22 | |
| Inter Miami | 2023-Present | 104 | 90 | 90g/51a in all competitions |
International Caps: 190+ | International Goals: 115+
FAQs
How old is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, which makes him 39 years old as of 2026.
What is Lionel Messi’s net worth?
Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1.1 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest athletes.
Which club does Lionel Messi play for?
Lionel Messi plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami under a contract that runs through 2028.
Is Lionel Messi married?
Yes. Messi married Antonela Roccuzzo in 2017. They met as children in Rosario and have three sons.
Does Lionel Messi have children?
Yes. Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo have three sons: Thiago (13), Mateo (10), and Ciro (8).
Has Lionel Messi won the World Cup?
Yes. Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists.
Is Lionel Messi playing in the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Messi is captaining Argentina in his sixth World Cup, where he has scored 8 goals and leads the Golden Boot race.
How many Ballon d’Or awards has Messi won?
Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, more than any other player in history.
What is Lionel Messi’s height?
Lionel Messi stands at 1.70 meters (5 feet 7 inches).
What is Messi’s nickname?
Messi is nicknamed “La Pulga” (The Flea) and “Messiah.”
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi is an Argentine footballer born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina.
- He spent 17 seasons at Barcelona, winning 35 major trophies and scoring 672 goals.
- He joined Inter Miami in 2023, winning the 2025 MLS Cup and the 2025 MLS Golden Boot.
- He led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden Ball.
- He is competing in his sixth World Cup in 2026 at age 39, breaking multiple records.
- He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, and they have three sons.
- His net worth is estimated at approximately $1.1 billion.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s journey from the streets of Rosario to the pinnacle of world football is a story of extraordinary talent, perseverance, and relentless determination. From his early days at Barcelona’s La Masia to becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, from the heartbreak of international near-misses to the ultimate triumph of the 2022 World Cup, Messi has redefined what is possible in football. At 39, he continues to break records and inspire millions, competing in his sixth World Cup with the same passion and brilliance that has defined his entire career. With a net worth exceeding $1 billion, a loving family, and a legacy that spans generations, Lionel Messi is not just the greatest footballer of his era; he is one of the greatest athletes in the history of sport.
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