Lionel Messi biography
Sports

Lionel Messi Biography, Age, Height, Family, Career, Stats, Records, Lifestyle & Net Worth (2025)

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. Known for his unmatched dribbling, playmaking vision, goal-scoring ability, and consistency, Messi has dominated global football for over two decades. This in-depth biography covers his early life, professional journey, international achievements, personal life, records, and net worth in 2025.


Early Life

Lionel Andrés Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina.
He grew up in a humble family of football lovers. Messi’s talent was evident from the age of four when he joined his first club.

Family Background

  • Father: Jorge Messi – Steel factory worker

  • Mother: Celia María Cuccittini – Magnet manufacturing worker

  • Brothers: Rodrigo, Matías

  • Sister: María Sol

Messi’s grandmother Celia played a huge role in encouraging his football passion, and he often celebrates goals by looking up at the sky in her memory.


Childhood & Medical Struggles

At age 10, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which made it difficult for his family to afford medical treatment. Despite this challenge, Messi continued playing football for Newell’s Old Boys, where he scored over 500 goals in the youth system.

This period was crucial, as it shaped his determination and resilience.


Move to Barcelona

In 2000, Messi travelled to Spain for trials at FC Barcelona, where coaches immediately recognized his extraordinary talent.
The club agreed to pay for his treatment, and Messi joined La Masia, Barcelona’s youth academy.

His contract was famously signed on a napkin at a restaurant because Barcelona didn’t want to lose the opportunity to sign him.


FC Barcelona Career (2004–2021)

Messi made his professional debut at age 17 in 2004.
Over the next 17 years, he became the symbol of FC Barcelona.

Major Achievements at Barcelona

  • 10× La Liga titles

  • 7× Copa del Rey titles

  • 4× UEFA Champions League titles

  • 3× FIFA Club World Cups

  • 3× UEFA Super Cups

  • 6× European Golden Shoes

  • Over 670 goals for Barcelona (club record)

Messi formed legendary partnerships with players like Xavi, Iniesta, Neymar, and Suárez.
The Barcelona dynasty under Guardiola is considered one of the greatest teams in football history.


Playing Style at Barcelona

Messi played mostly as a right winger, false nine, and attacking midfielder.
His key strengths include:

  • Close ball control

  • Exceptional dribbling

  • Vision and creativity

  • Long-range and close-range finishing

  • Playmaking intelligence

  • Quick acceleration

His combination of agility, technique, and decision-making made him one of the most complete players ever.


Departure From Barcelona

In August 2021, Messi left Barcelona due to the club’s financial crisis and LaLiga regulations.
His farewell press conference was emotional, marking the end of a historic era.


Paris Saint-Germain – PSG (2021–2023)

Messi signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

Achievements at PSG

  • 2× Ligue 1 titles

  • 1× Trophée des Champions

  • Over 30 goals & 30+ assists

  • Ligue 1 Playmaker Award

  • Included in Ligue 1 Team of the Season

He created a strong attacking trio with Neymar and Mbappé.


Inter Miami (2023–Present)

In 2023, Messi moved to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS).
His arrival transformed MLS globally.

Achievements at Inter Miami

  • Led team to win the Leagues Cup 2023 (club’s first ever trophy)

  • Increased MLS viewership worldwide

  • Record-breaking jersey sales

  • Massive rise in Miami’s fanbase

Messi continues to play for Inter Miami in 2025, contributing goals, assists, and global popularity.


Argentina National Team Career

Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005.
His emotional journey with the national team includes heartbreaks and historic triumphs.

Major Achievements with Argentina

  • FIFA World Cup 2022 – Champion

  • Copa América 2021 – Champion

  • Finalissima 2022 – Winner

  • Olympic Gold Medal 2008

Messi is Argentina’s all-time top scorer with over 100+ international goals.

World Cup 2022

Messi’s performance at the Qatar World Cup 2022 is considered one of the greatest World Cup performances ever.

Highlights:

  • 7 goals

  • Multiple assists

  • Winner of Golden Ball

  • Leading Argentina to their 3rd World Cup title

This elevated Messi’s status to many as the greatest footballer of all time.


Playing Style

Messi is known for:

  • Low center of gravity

  • Incredible dribbling

  • Fast changes of direction

  • Accurate passing

  • Left-foot precision

  • Football intelligence

Unlike Ronaldo’s power and athleticism, Messi’s magic comes from technique, creativity, and vision.


Family & Personal Life

Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart from Rosario.

Children

The couple has three sons:

  • Thiago – born 2012

  • Mateo – born 2015

  • Ciro – born 2018

Messi is known to be devoted to his family and lives a low-profile lifestyle off the field.


Business Ventures

Messi has launched multiple ventures, including:

  • The Messi Store (clothing brand)

  • Messi Restaurants

  • Endorsements with Adidas, Pepsi, Lay’s, Gatorade

  • Hotel chain – MIM Hotels

  • Investments in sports technology companies

He also became a brand ambassador for the Saudi tourism board.


Records Held by Lionel Messi

Messi holds over 100+ major football records, including:

  • Most goals for a single club (Barcelona)

  • Most goals in La Liga history

  • Most assists in football history

  • Most Ballon d’Or awards (8 times)

  • Most goals in a calendar year (91 goals in 2012)

  • Most appearances for Argentina

  • Most goals by a South American male footballer

His records are unlikely to be matched anytime soon.


Awards & Honors

Some major awards include:

  • 8 Ballon d’Or awards

  • 6 European Golden Shoes

  • 2 FIFA Best Awards

  • Golden Ball – World Cup 2014 & 2022

  • La Liga Best Player multiple times

  • UEFA Champions League MVP awards

Messi is one of the most decorated athletes in world sports.


Lifestyle

Messi is known for a humble and disciplined lifestyle:

  • Avoids controversies

  • Loves spending time with family

  • Enjoys simple food like milanesas

  • Passionate about charity work

  • Low-key personality

He runs the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports healthcare and education for children.


Net Worth (2025)

Lionel Messi’s estimated net worth in 2025 is:

$600–750 Million

Income Sources

  • Club salary (Inter Miami)

  • Brand endorsements

  • Business ventures

  • Sponsorship deals

  • Merchandise sales

  • Real estate investments

Messi is one of the richest athletes in the world.


Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Lionel Andrés Messi

  • Born: 24 June 1987

  • Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina

  • Height: 5’7” (170 cm)

  • Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder

  • Current Club: Inter Miami CF

  • Jersey Number: 10

  • Nationality: Argentine