Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional soccer player. He was born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987. He has won the Ballon d'Or award for best player in the world multiple times. In 2022, he led Argentina to win the World Cup.

Early Life

Messi started playing soccer at age five. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that could have ended his career. The Spanish club Barcelona offered to pay for his treatment if he moved to Spain. He joined their youth academy at age 13.

La Masia, the Barcelona soccer school where Messi trained.
La Masia, the Barcelona soccer school where Messi trained. (MARIA ROSA FERRE / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Messi has won over 40 major trophies with his clubs. He has won the Ballon d'Or award eight times. In 2022, he led Argentina to victory in the World Cup. He is the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and Argentina.

Fun Facts

  • Messi's first contract with Barcelona was written on a napkin.
  • Barcelona paid for his growth hormone treatment when he was a child.
  • He has scored over 800 career goals.

Did You Know?

Messi's 2022 World Cup final is considered one of the greatest soccer matches ever played. He scored two goals and helped Argentina win in a penalty shootout. It was the crowning achievement of his incredible career.