Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He gained global fame for his extraordinary career with FC Barcelona, his record eight Ballon d’Or awards, and for leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccitini
Age: 38 (born June 24, 1987)
Nationality: Argentine (also holds Spanish citizenship)
Occupation: Professional Footballer (forward)
Known For: Eight Ballon d’Or awards; 2022 World Cup champion; all-time leading scorer for FC Barcelona and in La Liga history
Marital Status: Married to Antonela Roccuzzo
Children: Three – Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro
Early Life and Background
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, into a working-class family . At age 13, after being diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that his family could not afford to treat, he moved to Barcelona to join FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, which agreed to cover his medical expenses.
Career and Achievements
Messi made his official first-team debut for FC Barcelona in the 2004–05 season at age 17, becoming the youngest official player and goal scorer in La Liga history. Over 21 years with Barcelona, he scored 672 goals in 778 appearances, leading the club to four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga championships. He won the Ballon d’Or a record eight times (2009–12, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).
After brief stints with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer in 2023. In 2025, he led the club to its first MLS Cup title and was named the league’s MVP for the second consecutive season.
Internationally, Messi ended Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought by winning the 2021 Copa América. He then led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring two goals in the final and winning the tournament’s Golden Ball as best player.
Major Event or Controversy
In 2013, Messi and his father were charged with tax fraud for using overseas shell companies to avoid paying €4.2 million in Spanish taxes on endorsement earnings. In July 2016, both received suspended 21-month prison sentences (first-time offenders in Spain serve no jail time for sentences under two years) and were fined €2 million and €1.5 million, respectively.
Why He is in the News
Messi is in the news because on April 16, 2026, he completed the purchase of 100 percent of UE Cornellà, a Spanish fifth-tier club located near Barcelona. The club, founded in 1951 and known for its youth academy, has produced players such as Jordi Alba and David Raya. Messi’s acquisition marks his first club ownership and follows a similar move by his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who bought a stake in UD Almería in February 2026.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi is widely considered the greatest footballer of his generation, with a career defined by unparalleled individual and team success. His recent move into club ownership signals the beginning of a new post-playing chapter, as he continues to shape the sport from both on and off the pitch.
