Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional soccer player who played for FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2021. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, known for his incredible skill, speed, and agility on the field.
Messi joined Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13 and made his first-team debut at the age of 17. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club and went on to lead Barcelona to numerous domestic and international titles over the course of his career, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles.
During his time at Barcelona, Messi became the club's all-time leading scorer and the all-time leading scorer in La Liga. He also won numerous individual awards, including seven Ballon d'Or trophies, which are given to the world's best player.
After spending his entire professional career at Barcelona, Messi left the club in 2021 and joined Paris Saint-Germain FC.Messi is known for his incredible scoring ability, having scored over 700 career goals for club and country. He holds the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year, with 91 goals in 2012.
Messi formed a deadly attacking trio with fellow Barcelona players Luis Suarez and Neymar, known as "MSN". The trio helped Barcelona win the treble (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League) in the 2014-2015 season.
In addition to his success at the club level, Messi has also had a highly successful international career with the Argentine national team. He has helped lead Argentina to three consecutive Copa America finals and the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.Messi has been praised for his humility and sportsmanship both on and off the field. He has been known to donate large sums of money to charity and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts.
In 2020, Messi made headlines when he expressed his desire to leave Barcelona, citing disagreements with the club's management. He ultimately decided to stay for another season before leaving for Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2021.
Despite his departure from Barcelona, Messi's legacy at the club is firmly established. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the club's history, and his accomplishments and contributions to the team will be remembered for years to comeMessi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, which led to his move to Barcelona's youth academy at the age of 13.
Messi has a close relationship with his family, particularly his mother Celia, who he has credited with supporting him throughout his career.
Messi's playing style is characterized by his incredible speed and agility on the field, as well as his precision passing and exceptional dribbling ability. He is often referred to as a "magician" or "wizard" with the ball.
Messi has won numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including six European Golden Shoes (awarded to the top scorer in European leagues) and four UEFA Best Player in Europe Awards.
Messi is also a successful businessman, with his own clothing line, perfume brand, and investment in a hotel chain. He has been listed among the highest-paid athletes in the world by Forbes magazine.
Off the field, Messi is known for his reserved and private personality. He has been married to his childhood sweetheart, Antonella Roccuzzo, since 2017, and they have three children together.
Messi's departure from Barcelona in 2021 was a major news event in the soccer world, with many fans and pundits expressing shock and sadness over his departure. However, he has continued to play at a high level for Paris Saint-Germain FC and remains one of the most popular and beloved soccer players in the world.Messi holds several records in soccer, including the most goals scored in a single season in Europe's top five leagues (50 goals in 2011-2012), and the most goals scored in a calendar year (91 goals in 2012).
Messi is a five-time winner of the Champions League Golden Boot, which is awarded to the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite his success on the field, Messi has had some challenges in his personal life. In 2013, he and his father were charged with tax fraud related to Messi's image rights. Messi was found guilty and sentenced to 21 months in prison, but the sentence was later reduced to a fine.
Messi is known for his charitable work, particularly through his Leo Messi Foundation, which supports healthcare and education initiatives for children. He has also been involved in various UNICEF campaigns.
Messi is a devout Catholic and has spoken publicly about the role of religion in his life. He has several religious tattoos on his arms, including an image of Jesus and a rosary.
Messi has been an advocate for environmental causes and has spoken out about the need to protect the planet. He has partnered with Adidas to create sustainable soccer shoes made from recycled ocean plastic.
Messi has a close friendship with fellow soccer player and rival Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the fact that they have often competed against each other on the field. They have praised each other's talent and have been known to exchange friendly greetings and gestures during games.Messi has a special connection with Barcelona, having spent more than two decades with the club. He once said in an interview that "Barcelona is my life, they have given me everything, and I am very happy there."
Messi is a gifted soccer player, but he also has a great deal of talent in other areas. He is an accomplished musician and has been known to play the guitar and sing on occasion.
Messi is an avid collector of soccer memorabilia and has amassed an impressive collection of jerseys, cleats, and other items throughout his career. He has said that he plans to open a museum one day to display his collection.
Messi has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, including a dispute with the Argentine Football Association over the national team's training conditions, and a public argument with former Barcelona teammate Eric Abidal over comments Abidal made about the team's performance.
Messi is known for his shy and introverted personality off the field, but he has shown a different side of himself in recent years. He has become more active on social media and has even started a YouTube channel to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at his life.
Despite his fame and success, Messi remains grounded and focused on his family and his love for the game of soccer. He has said that his ultimate goal is to continue playing at a high level and to win more championships with his team.Messi has a close relationship with former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who he credits with helping him develop his game and become a better player. Guardiola has described Messi as "the best player I have ever seen" and "a unique talent."
Messi has a tattoo on his left calf of his son Thiago's handprints, as well as the name of his second son, Mateo, on his left foot.
Messi has been the subject of numerous documentaries and films, including the 2014 documentary "Messi," which explores his life and career.
Messi has faced criticism in Argentina for his perceived lack of commitment to the national team, with some fans and pundits questioning his loyalty and passion for the country. Despite this, Messi has continued to represent Argentina and has helped lead the team to several major tournaments, including the 2014 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America.
Messi is known for his philanthropy, and has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes throughout his career. He has also been involved in several initiatives to support underprivileged children in Argentina and around the world.
Messi has expressed a desire to retire from soccer in his home country of Argentina, and has said that he hopes to one day play for his childhood club, Newell's Old Boys. He has also expressed interest in coaching after his playing career is over