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Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi (born June 24, 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer acclaimed as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. He currently serves as a forward and captain for both Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and the Argentina national team. Messi's illustrious career is highlighted by a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, and FIFA's World Player of the Year title a record eight times.

Previously, Messi spent his entire professional career until 2021 with Barcelona, amassing a club-record 34 trophies including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey victories, and four UEFA Champions League triumphs. Internationally, he led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Known for his goal-scoring prowess and creative playmaking, Messi holds numerous records in La Liga, including most goals (474), hat-tricks (36), and assists (192). He also boasts the highest number of goals (108) and appearances (185) by a South American male player in international competition, with over 800 career goals for club and country.

Messi joined Barcelona at age 13, debuting at 17 and swiftly becoming a pivotal figure. His breakout season in 2008–09 saw him contribute significantly to Barcelona's historic treble win, securing his first Ballon d'Or at just 22. He went on to claim four consecutive Ballon d'Or titles and set records for goals in a single La Liga season during 2011–12. Messi's tenure at Barcelona also marked him as the club's all-time top scorer and saw him lead the team to another treble in 2014–15, culminating in his fifth Ballon d'Or in 2015. Named Barcelona's captain in 2018, Messi earned a record sixth Ballon d'Or in 2019 before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, where he secured two Ligue 1 titles. His recent move to Inter Miami in 2023 saw him swiftly claim the Leagues Cup in August of that year.

Growing up in a tight-knit family in Rosario, Messi's love for football was evident from early childhood. He inherited his passion for the sport from his father, Jorge Messi, who worked as a factory steelworker and coached a local youth football team. Messi's mother, Celia Cuccittini, supported his football ambitions, ensuring he had the opportunity to pursue his dreams.

At the age of six, Messi began playing for his local club, Grandoli, where his talent quickly became apparent. He later moved to Newell's Old Boys, a prominent club in Rosario, where he continued to develop his skills. However, Messi's growth hormone deficiency posed a challenge to his physical development, requiring costly medical treatments that his family struggled to afford.

In 2000, Messi's talent captured the attention of FC Barcelona during a youth tournament held in Spain. Impressed by his exceptional skills despite his diminutive stature, Barcelona offered to pay for Messi's medical treatment and invited him to join their renowned La Masia academy. This marked the beginning of Messi's journey with the Catalan club, where he would rise through the ranks and eventually make his debut for the first team in 2004.

Lionel Messi's professional career has been synonymous with FC Barcelona, where he spent over two decades dazzling fans with his extraordinary performances. After making his debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17, Messi quickly established himself as a key player in the team's success. His combination of dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability made him a formidable force on the field, helping Barcelona secure numerous domestic and international titles.

During his time at Barcelona, Messi formed a formidable partnership with fellow superstars such as Ronaldinho, Xavi Hernández, and Andrés Iniesta. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona's dominance in European football, winning four UEFA Champions League titles and numerous La Liga championships. Messi's individual accolades include six Ballon d'Or awards, given to the world's best player, highlighting his consistent excellence over the years.

In August 2021, Messi departed Barcelona due to financial constraints preventing the renewal of his contract under La Liga's salary cap rules. He subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he continues to showcase his talent in the French Ligue 1 and Champions League competitions.

Lionel Messi's legacy in football is unparalleled. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, with his skill and achievements transcending generations. Messi's ability to consistently perform at the highest level, his record-breaking goal-scoring feats, and his influence on the game have cemented his place in football folklore.

Beyond his individual accomplishments, Messi's impact extends to inspiring a new generation of footballers worldwide. His humility, dedication to his craft, and sportsmanship on and off the field serve as a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Looking to the future, Messi's career with PSG presents new opportunities and challenges. While continuing to compete at the highest level, he remains a pivotal figure in Argentina's national team, where he has played a key role in major tournaments such as the Copa América.

1. "FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™: List of Players: Argentina" (PDF). FIFA. 15 November 2022. p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
2. "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players" (PDF). FIFA. 10 June 2014. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 June 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
3. "Messi, Lloyd, Luis Enrique and Ellis Triumph at FIFA Ballon d'Or 2015". FIFA. 11 January 2016. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
4. "Ballon d'Or 2023 : Lionel Messi sacré pour la huitième fois" [Ballon d'Or 2023: Lionel Messi crowned for the eighth time] (in French). L'Equipe. 30 October 2023. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
5. "Lionel Messi wins The Best FIFA Men's Player Award". FIFA. 15 January 2024. Archived from the original on 21 January 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2024. Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player 2023, retaining the title he won in 2022 [...] Messi also won the 2019 Best FIFA Men's Player award and was recognised by FIFA as the leading player in the men's game on five occasions prior to that – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 – making this his eighth individual award in total.