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
