Lionel Messi Bio
Lionel Andrés Messi, often referred to simply as Lionel Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe. He currently plays as a forward for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and is also the captain of the Argentina national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has achieved remarkable success throughout his career, including numerous individual accolades such as multiple Ballon d’Or awards. Known for his extraordinary dribbling ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, Messi has set numerous records in club and international football.
Early Life and Background
Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe Province. He was the third of four children of Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and his wife Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop. On his father’s side, he is of Italian and Spanish descent, while his mother’s side has primarily Italian ancestry. Growing up in a tight-knit, football-loving family, Messi developed a passion for the sport from an early age, playing constantly with his older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and his cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom became professional footballers. At the age of four, he joined local club Grandoli, where he was coached by his father. Another early influence came from his maternal grandmother, Celia, who accompanied him to training and matches. He was greatly affected by her death shortly before his eleventh birthday. Since then, as a devout Catholic, he has celebrated his goals by looking up and pointing to the sky in tribute to his grandmother.
Path to Soccer
Messi’s future as a professional player was threatened when, at age 10, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. He began growth hormone therapy at age 11; however, his father’s health insurance covered only two years of the therapy, which cost at least 1,000 pesos per month. Newell’s Old Boys agreed to contribute but later reneged on their promise. He was scouted by Buenos Aires club River Plate, whose playmaker Pablo Aimar he idolized. It was speculated that he failed to sign with River Plate due to his ill health; however, in a 2019 interview, Messi revealed that River Plate had wanted to sign him after he scored four goals at a trial, and even offered to pay for his medical treatment, but Newell’s refused to release his player card, preventing the transfer. In September 2000, Messi’s family sought to arrange a trial with FC Barcelona. First-team director Carles Rexach immediately wanted to sign him, but the board hesitated. On December 14, an ultimatum was issued for Barcelona to prove their commitment, and Rexach offered a contract on a paper napkin. In February 2001, the family relocated to Barcelona, where they moved into an apartment near the club’s stadium, Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi Career
Early Career (2004–2005)
Messi made his competitive debut for Barcelona at age 17 in October 2004. He gradually established himself as an integral player for the club, and during his first uninterrupted season at age 22 in 2008–09, he helped Barcelona achieve the first treble in Spanish football. This resulted in Messi winning the first of four consecutive Ballon d’Ors. By the 2011–12 season, he set the European record for most goals in a season and established himself as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer. During the 2014–15 campaign, where he became the all-time top scorer in La Liga, he led Barcelona to a historic second treble, leading to a fifth Ballon d’Or in 2015.
Breakthrough (2006–2015)
Messi’s breakthrough came in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he made his debut as a substitute against Serbia and Montenegro, scoring a goal and assisting another. He became the youngest player to score for Argentina in a World Cup. His performances in the tournament garnered international attention, and he quickly became a key player for Barcelona. In the 2008 Summer Olympics, he helped Argentina win the gold medal, further solidifying his status as a rising star. In 2010, Messi was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year, and he continued to break records throughout his career, including becoming the all-time top scorer in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Notable Works and Milestones
Messi’s signature work includes his record-breaking performances with Barcelona, where he won numerous trophies, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. He has also been awarded the Ballon d’Or multiple times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
Lionel Messi Award Nominations
Throughout his illustrious career, Lionel Messi has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including multiple Ballon d’Or nominations, reflecting his consistent excellence on the field.
Lionel Messi Awards Won
Lionel Messi has won a plethora of awards, including eight Ballon d’Or awards, which recognize him as the world’s best player. His achievements have made him the most decorated player in the history of professional football.
Lionel Messi Family
Lionel Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, with whom he has three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Messi has known Antonela since he was five years old, as she is the cousin of his childhood best friend.
Personal Life
Messi and his family are devout Catholics. He maintains close ties to his hometown of Rosario and is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to healthcare and education for children. Messi’s financial affairs came under scrutiny in 2013 for suspected tax evasion, but he has since resolved the issues. His public persona is that of a humble and dedicated athlete, often celebrated for his contributions to the sport and society.