Argentine football forward widely considered one of the greatest players in the sport's history, with eight Ballon d'Or awards.
Background
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy La Masia at age 13 after the club agreed to cover his growth-hormone treatment.
Career
He made his senior debut for Barcelona in 2004 and spent 17 seasons there, scoring 672 goals — a club record — before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and then to Inter Miami in 2023. He led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup titles.
Style of play
Known for close ball control, agility in tight spaces, and incisive left-footed finishing, Messi typically operates as a deep-lying forward who creates chances as much as he finishes them.
Find more athletes by letter
Lionel Messi starts with L and ends with I. Browse other athletes along the same letter.
Athletes that contain a letter from "Lionel Messi":