Lionel Messi, the incredible Argentine football genius, has exceeded all expectations and firmly established himself among the greatest players in the sport. Rising through the ranks of Barcelona, Messi has proven his worth, even in the shadow of the legendary Diego Maradona. With an exceptional career filled with unparalleled accomplishments, he has led both Argentina and Barcelona, earning the title of the world’s finest player.
As a record-breaking goal scorer, Messi has scored an astonishing 700 goals for his clubs and country. His exceptional skills and unwavering dedication have earned him an impressive seven Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing him as the best player in the world. Adding to his illustrious career, he played a crucial role in Argentina’s victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup journey. Messi’s remarkable story has solidified his place as a true legend in football.
According to sources, Leo Messi became the most decorated player in history with 43 trophies alongside Dani Alves. It will be historical night for Leo when he wins the Ligue1 title with PSG; he will leave the club in the next few weeks.
Lionel Messi’s Personal Information
Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
Place of Birth | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
Nationality | Argentine |
Height | 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) |
Weight | 148 pounds (67 kilograms) |
Father | Jorge Messi |
Mother | Celia María Cuccittini |
Siblings | Rodrigo (Elder Brother) Matías (Elder Brother) María Sol (Younger Sister) |
Lionel Messi Early Life
Lionel Messi’s football journey began at a young age, as he immersed himself in the game alongside his older brothers and cousins in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. His undeniable talent caught the attention of scouts, and at the age of eight, he joined the youth system of Newell’s Old Boys, a prominent Rosario-based club.
At ten, Lionel Messi faced a hurdle when diagnosed with a hormone deficiency that stunted his growth. Messi’s parents, determined to support their son’s dreams, sought a solution. Eventually, at 13, Messi was offered a place at FC Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, La Masia. The club even covered his medical expenses, allowing Messi to focus on honing his skills. Despite his smaller stature, Messi’s exceptional speed and relentless attacking style set him apart on the field.
Lionel Messi’s Career Journey
Lionel Messi Club Career
Club | Trophies |
---|---|
FC Barcelona | 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 3 Champions League titles, 3 Club World Cup titles, 3 UEFA Super Cup titles, 8 Supercopa de España titles |
PSG | 1 Ligue 1 title, 1 Trophée des Champions title |
- 2004-05: Messi becomes the youngest official player and goal scorer in the Spanish La Liga.
- 2005: Granted Spanish citizenship, causing mixed feelings among Barcelona supporters.
- 2006: Messi and Barcelona win the Champions League title.
- 2008: Messi finishes second in the Ballon d’Or voting, establishing himself as one of the dominant players in the world.
- 2008-09: Messi helps FC Barcelona win the treble, scoring 38 goals in 51 matches.
- 2009-10: Messi scores 34 goals as Barcelona repeats as La Liga champions. He wins the Ballon d’Or and the Golden Shoe Award.
- 2011-12: Messi becomes Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer in La Liga play, breaking Gerd Müller’s single-season goal record.
- 2012: Messi wins the world player of the Year award for the fourth time.
- 2012-13: Messi leads La Liga with 46 goals, helping Barcelona secure another domestic top-division championship.
- 2014: Messi breaks the overall goal record for Barcelona, both in the Champions League and La Liga.
- 2014-15: Messi helps Barcelona capture another treble and wins his fifth world player of the Year award.
- 2015-16: Messi scores 41 goals as Barcelona wins the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey.
- 2016-17: Messi scores 53 goals, leading Barcelona to another Copa del Rey title.
- 2017-18: Messi scores 45 goals as Barcelona achieves the La Liga-Copa del Rey double.
- 2018-19: Messi scores 51 goals as Barcelona wins another La Liga championship.
- 2019: Messi wins his sixth Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s best male player of the Year award.
- 2020-21: Barcelona claims the Copa del Rey title, marking Messi’s seventh career win.
- August 2021: Messi leaves Barcelona after his contract expires.
- 2021: Messi becomes a free agent and signs with Paris St.-Germain, winning another Ballon d’Or.
- 2022: 2022 FIFA World CUp 2022 winner
- 2024: Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2023, beating both Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to the top spot once again.
Lionel Messi’s International Career
Competition | Trophies |
---|---|
FIFA World Cup | 1 title |
Copa América | 1 title |
Finalissima | 1 title |
Olympic Gold Medal | 1 title |
U-20 World Cup | 1 title |
- 2005: Messi becomes a key member of various Argentine national teams.
- 2005: Plays on Argentina’s victorious FIFA World Youth Championship squad.
- 2006: Represents Argentina in the World Cup.
- 2008: Scores two goals in five matches as Argentina wins the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.
- 2010: Helps Argentina reach the World Cup quarterfinals.
- 2014: Shines at the World Cup, scoring four goals and leading Argentina to the final.
- 2016: Breaks Gabriel Batistuta’s Argentine scoring record during the Copa América Centenario tournament.
- 2016: Announces retirement from the national team but returns shortly after.
- 2018: Helps Argentina reach the knockout stage of the World Cup.
- 2019: Leads Argentina to a third-place finish in the Copa América.
- 2021: Guides Argentina to victory in the Copa América, receiving the Golden Ball award.
- 2022: Helps Argentina reach the World Cup final and scores two goals in the final match.
- 2022: Wins the Golden Ball at the World Cup, becoming the first male player to receive the award twice.
Lionel Messi’s Football Statistics (Goals, Assists, Games)
Lionel Messi’s Impressive Career Statistics
- Overall games played: 1003
- Overall goals scored: 793
- Overall assists provided: 350
- Overall cards received: 95 (including 3 red cards)
- Overall number of opponents faced: 165
Goal-Scoring Achievements
- Goals per game ratio: 0.52
- Goals per season average: 43.94
- Goals coefficient: 1.531
- Penalties scored: 108
- Free kicks converted: 60
Assist Contributions
- Assists per game ratio: 0.35
- Assists per season average: 8.75
- Assists against 102 different opponents
- Assists to 81 different players
- Assists in 11 different competitions
Lionel Messi’s Career Acheivements
Individual Awards won by Messi | Year |
---|---|
Ballon d’Or | 2009- 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 |
FIFA World Player of the Year | 2009 |
The Best Award | 2019 |
European Golden Shoe | 2009-2013, 2016-2019 |
Pichichi Trophy | 2009-2013, 2016-2021 |
MVP La Liga | 2008-2019 |
Champions League top scorer | 2008-2012, 2014-15, 2018-19 |
World Cup Golden Ball | 2014, 2022 |
UEFA Men’s Player of the Year | 2010-11, 2014-15 |
Golden Boy | 2005 |
MVP Copa América | 2021 |
Messi Records | Description |
---|---|
FC Barcelona’s all-time top scorer | FC Barcelona |
The first player to score in all knockout rounds of a World Cup | 794 goals |
All-time leading goalscorer of Argentina | 86 goals |
Argentina’s top scorer at World Cups | 38 goals |
First player to score in all knockout rounds of a World Cup | 2014 |
Most games played at the FIFA World Cup | 22 games |
All-time top scorer in La Liga | 474 goals |
Top scorer in the 21st century | 598 goals |
Top scorer in El Clásico | 26 goals |
All time international top scorer in South America | 86 goals |
Most games played for FC Barcelona | 778 games |
Most games played with Argentina | 162 games |
Most trophies won at FC Barcelona | 35 trophies |
Most goals in a La Liga season (50) | 2011-12 |
Most decorated Argentine player | 77 individual awards |
Lionel Messi Personel Life
Lionel Messi’s parents, Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, and his amazing siblings have played a vital role in his remarkable journey. From his early days in Argentina to his global stardom, they have been his unwavering support system.
Messi found love in his childhood friend, Antonella Roccuzzo. They were childhood friends. Over time, their friendship evolved into love , and in 2017, Messi and Antonella tied the knot in a fairytale wedding. Today, their family is the center of their world, as they cherish the joys of parenthood with their three delightful children Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Lionel Messi’s friendship with Neymar extends far beyond the football field, embodying a strong bond built on shared moments of celebration and unwavering support.. On and off the pitch, Messi and Neymar have stood by each other, providing encouragement and camaraderie through victories and challenges.
Lionel Messi Controversies
From on-field brilliance to contractual disputes, Lionel Messi has made headlines throughout his illustrious career. Read on to know more about the intriguing moments surrounding the football superstar, examining the impact and repercussions of these incidents on his legacy.
- Messi and his father were accused of using offshore companies to evade taxes on endorsement earnings. Messi was found guilty, receiving a suspended sentence and a fine.
- After Argentina’s defeat in the Copa America final, Messi announced his decision to retire from international football, citing frustration with repeated failures. He later reversed his retirement and continued representing Argentina.
- Messi has publicly criticized the Argentine Football Association (AFA), expressing dissatisfaction with the management and decisions made by AFA officials.
- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two football legends whose rivalry and comparison have fueled intense debates about their contrasting styles and achievements.