Born on June 24, 1987, Lionel Andrés “Leo” Messi is an Argentine professional football player who plays as a forward and as captain for both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Among the all-time greats, Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or honours, a record six European Golden Shoes, and a record eight FIFA World Player of the Year accolades.
He won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Copa América with his nation. Messi is a prolific goal scorer and inventive playmaker who now owns the La Liga records for most assists (192), hat-tricks (36), and goals (474). Of all the South American men, he has the most international goals (106). Messi has the most goals for a single club (672) and has scored over 800 goals in his senior career for both club and country.
Lionel Messi Biography
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Birth Place | Rosario, Argentina |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Current Team (s) | Inter Miami |
| Position | Forward |
| Debut | October 16, 2004 |
| Girlfriend | Antonela Roccuzzo |
| Children | 3 |
Lionel Messi Net Worth & Salary
| Salary | Year |
| £12 Million | 2025 |
| £12 Million | 2024 |
| £12 Million | 2023 |
| £65.6 Million | 2022 – 2023 |
| £65.6 Million | 2021 – 2022 |
| £73.1 Million | 2020 – 2021 |
| £73.1 Million | 2019 – 2020 |
| £72.9 Million | 2018 – 2019 |
| £40.8 Million | 2017 – 2018 |
| £39.4 Million | 2016 – 2017 |
| £29.3 Million | 2015 – 2016 |
With a staggering estimated net worth of $650 million USD, Lionel Messi stands as the wealthiest footballer on the planet. His immense earnings from football contracts, endorsements, and other ventures solidify his status as one of the most financially successful athletes in history.
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.
Brand Endorsements/ Advertisements
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.
- Adidas
- Tata Motors
- Pepsi
- Huawei
- Gatorade
- Lay’s
- Mastercard
- Louis Vuitton
- Budweiser
- Gillette
- SikSilk
- Byju’s
- Sirin Labs
- Air Europa
- Pro Evolution Soccer
- Jacob and Co.
- OrCam
- Mengniu
Lionel Messi and His Family
Lionel Messi shares a profound connection with his immediate family, particularly his mother Celia, whose image is tattooed on his left shoulder. 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, Matas, who handle his personal and professional affairs in Rosario.
Lionel Messi Wife
Since 2008, Messi has been in a relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo, a native of Rosario. 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. Their relationship was made public a month later during a carnival in Sitges following the Barcelona-Espanyol derby.
Messi and Roccuzzo have three sons together: 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 Center in Rosario, Argentina.
Early Life
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.
By 2008, Messi emerged as one of the most dominant players globally, finishing as a runner-up in the Ballon d’Or voting. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s historic treble-winning season in 2008–09, securing his first Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
Lionel Messi Club Career
Messi’s career continued to soar, breaking numerous records and winning multiple Ballon d’Or titles. He led Barcelona to several domestic and international titles, including La Liga championships and UEFA Champions League triumphs. Messi’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess and playmaking abilities made him a football icon.
In 2021, Messi signed with Paris Staint-Germain (PSG), where he continued to excel, winning the Ligue 1 title. In 2023, he joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career.
| Clubs | Period | Appearances | Assists | Goals |
| FC Barcelona | 2004 – 2021 | 778 | 303 | 672 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 2021 – 2023 | 75 | 35 | 32 |
| Inter Miami | 2023 – Present | 39 | 18 | 34 |
Lionel Messi International Career
Messi represented Argentina in various international tournaments, winning the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005 and securing a gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He played a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup campaigns, notably leading the team to the final in 2014 and winning the Golden Ball award despite their loss to Germany. Messi continued to shine in subsequent World Cups, guiding Argentina to the finals in 2022 and winning the tournament’s Golden Ball for the second time.
Messi’s international success also included victories in the Copa América, where he played a crucial role in Argentina’s triumphs in 2021 and 2023, earning the Golden Ball award for his outstanding performances.
| International Team | Argentina |
| Appearances | 191 |
| Assists | 61 |
| Goals | 112 |
Achievements:
Throughout his career, Messi’s remarkable achievements and contributions to both club and country 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.
| FC Barcelona | La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19 Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21 Supercopa de España: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018 UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15 UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015 FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | Ligue 1: 2021–22, 2022–23 Trophée des Champions: 2022 |
| Inter Miami | Supporters’ Shield: 2024 Leagues Cup: 2023 |
| Argentina U20 | FIFA World Youth Championship: 2005 |
| Argentina U23 | Olympic Games: 2008 |
| Argentina | FIFA World Cup: 2022 Copa América: 2021, 2024 Finalissima: 2022 |
| Individual | Ballon d’Or: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 FIFA World Player of the Year/FIFA Ballon d’Or/The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023 European Golden Shoe: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014, 2022 FIFA World Cup Silver Boot: 2022 FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2009, 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball: 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Boot: 2005 UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2008–09 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award: 2010–11, 2014–15 UEFA Champions League top scorer: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2018–19 Copa América Golden Ball: 2015, 2021 Copa América Golden Boot: 2021 La Liga Best Player: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19 MLS Most Valuable Player: 2024 Pichichi Trophy: 2009−10, 2011–12, 2012−13, 2016–17, 2017−18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2020, 2023 Ballon d’Or Dream Team: 2020 FIFPRO World 11: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Argentine Sportsperson of the Year: 2011, 2021, 2022, 2023 Argentine Footballer of the Year: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| Order | Creu de Sant Jordi, Catalonia (30 April 2019) Presidential Medal of Freedom, United States (4 January 2025) |
FAQs
Q. What country was Lionel Messi born?
A. Lionel Messi was born in Argentina.
Q. What is Lionel Messi net worth?
A. Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated at around £650 million.
Q. Who is Lionel Messi father?
A. Lionel Messi’s father’s name is Jorge Messi.
Q. Who is Lionel Messi mother?
A. Lionel Messi mother’s name is Celia Maria Cuccittini.
Q. How old is Lionel Messi?
A. Lionel Messi is 37 years old.
Q. How many children does Lionel Messi have
A. Lionel Messi has 3 children.
Q. How much is Lionel Messi getting paid?
A. Lionel Messi is being paid £12 million at Inter Miami annually.
Q. Who is Lionel Messi wife?
A. Lionel Messi wife is Antonela Roccuzzo.