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Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Born in Rosario in 1987, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history and has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Early life

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987. He emerged as a prodigious talent before moving to Europe as a teenager to pursue his professional career.

Club career

Messi spent the majority of his club career at Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He joined Inter Miami in 2023 and remains with the club.

International career

Messi has represented Argentina for many years and is the team's captain. His international career includes winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and major continental honours.

Achievements

Messi has received numerous individual awards, including a record eight Ballon d'Or trophies. He is also recognized for his exceptional goal-scoring record and consistency over a long career.

Key facts

  • Messi has played for Inter Miami since 2023 and also captains Argentina.
  • He previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
  • He won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022.
  • He has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, a record total.
  • Britannica reports that he has scored more than 860 career goals.
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Canadian context

Messi has a Canadian connection through Inter Miami's participation in MLS, which includes Canadian teams and is followed closely by Canadian soccer audiences.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Lionel Messi?
He was born on 24 June 1987, so he is 39 years old.
Where does Lionel Messi play now?
He plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and also captains the Argentina national team.
How many goals has Messi scored?
Britannica says he has scored more than 860 career goals. Exact totals vary by source and update date.
How many Ballon d'Or awards has Lionel Messi won?
He has won eight Ballon d'Or awards, which is a record total.
Is Messi married?
He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo.
What is Messi's net worth?
An exact net worth is not provided in the supplied sources. Public estimates vary widely, so a verified figure is not given here.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Messi
    Supports: Birth date, current clubs, and eight Ballon d'Or awards.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lionel-Messi
    Supports: Career overview, current club history, World Cup win, and more than 860 career goals.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/45843/lionel-messi
    Supports: Current club, position, birthdate, and birthplace.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2177779/
    Supports: Marriage to Antonela Roccuzzo.
  5. Olympics — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/lionel-messi
    Supports: Record eight Ballon d'Or awards and club career milestones.