Lionel Messi: Bio, Age, Salary, Stats, Playing Style, Partner & Net Worth

Lionel Messi Family and Early Life

Lionel Messi was born on 24 June 1978 to Jorge Messi and Celia María Cuccittini in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He grew up in a close-knit household.nd Lionel Messi's family shares roots with Italian and Spanish descent. He shares a profound connection with his immediate family, particularly his mother Celia, whose image is tattooed on his left shoulder. Messi developed an early love for the sport and was an exceptionally gifted talent started playing for local club Grandoli.

At 6, he joined Newell’s Old Boys academy and was a truly incredible kid. However, at the age of 10, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Nonetheless, he overcame all the challenges and subsequently, Barcelona signed him at the age of 13 in 2000, marking a new chapter in his life. He hasn't looked back since, reaching to the pinnacle of the sport. His family plays a significant role in managing his work life, with his older brother Rodrigo overseeing his daily schedule and publicity, and his father Jorge serving as his agent since Messi was 14.

The Leo Messi Foundation, dedicated to philanthropic efforts, is overseen by his mother and another brother, Matias, who handle his personal and professional affairs in Rosario. In the 2004–05 season, Lionel Messi made his debut for FC Barcelona at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player and goal scorer in La Liga. His early performances showcased his exceptional talent and versatility on the field.

Lionel Messi Net Worth & Salary

Lionel Messi net worth is estimated to be around $850 million. With a staggering net worth, the Argentine stands as the wealthiest footballer on the planet. Thanks to a super successful career, his substantial earnings from football contracts, endorsements, and other ventures solidify his status as one of the most financially successful athletes in history. In addition to his football earnings, Messi has established himself as a successful brand ambassador, notably for sportswear giant Adidas. His endorsement deals contribute significantly to his overall income and global recognition. He has collaborated with brands all across the globe, such as Tata Motors, Pepsi, Huawei, Gatorade, Lays, Mastercard, Louis Vuitton, Gillette, Jacob and Co. and more.

Lionel Messi Salary and Contract Details

Lionel Messi is renowned as one of the most prominent footballers globally, earning a substantial salary from his football career. His annual salary amounts to nearly $75 million USD, placing him among the highest-paid athletes in the world. He is currently the top earner in Major League Soccer. Throughout his career, the Argentine icon has been earning significant salaries at the club level, be it with Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain. After spending two years with PSG, he signed for Inter Miami in 2023, putting pen to a two-year deal with an option to extend a further season. However, as of now, his deal runs off at the end of 2025.

Lionel Messi Playing Style and Strength

Lionel Messi is a complete footballer who can do it all: dribbling, ball control, passing, goal scoring, chance creation, scoring free-kicks and more. He is a gifted player with impeccable vision and passing ability; his intelligence is unparalleled by any other creative playmaker. He is a versatile forward who can play on the wings and cut inside to take a shot with his left foot. Moreover, he can play as a centre-forward, striker, second striker or an attacking midfielder. His exceptional agility and movements help Messi to ease past a host of defenders; he can deliver line-breaking passes along with brilliant finishing. Overall, Messi's skillset makes him one of a kind footballers, who is a class apart.

Lionel Messi Wife

The former Barcelona star is married to his long-term partner, Antonela Roccuzzo. Lionel Messi wife Atonela is also a native of Rasairo, as the couple are childhood friends. Their connection dates back to childhood, as Roccuzzo is the cousin of Messi’s close friend, Lucas Scaglia, who also played football. They initially kept their relationship private, with Messi publicly acknowledging it in an interview in January 2009. The childhood sweethearts made their relationship public a month later during a carnival in Sitges following the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Together, Messi and Roccuzzo have three sons: Thiago, born in 2012, Mateo, born in 2015, and Ciro, born in 2018. The couple tied the knot on June 30, 2017, in a lavish ceremony held at the Hotel City Centre in Rosario, Argentina.

Lionel Messi Awards & Achievements

Throughout his career, Messi’s remarkable achievements and contributions to both club and country have solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His unparalleled skill, vision, and passion for the game left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.