10
The Greatest of All Time

Lionel Messi

Rosario, Argentina  ·  Born June 24, 1987

8
Ballon d'Or
800+
Career Goals
1
World Cup
4
UCL Titles

Career Arc

A Journey Like No Other

1995
Newell's Old Boys → FC Barcelona Youth
At age 13, his family relocated to Spain after Barcelona agreed to fund his growth hormone treatment.
2004
La Liga Debut
Made his competitive debut for FC Barcelona at just 17 — the youngest player in the club's history at the time.
2009
First Ballon d'Or & Treble
Won the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey under Pep Guardiola, then claimed his first Ballon d'Or.
2012
91 Goals in a Calendar Year
Broke Gerd Müller's all-time record by scoring 91 goals across all competitions — a mark that may never be broken.
2021
Copa América Winner
Finally lifted international silverware with Argentina, ending a painful 28-year drought for the national team.
2022
World Cup Glory — Qatar 🏆
Delivered a masterclass across seven matches, scoring 7 goals including a brace in the final. Argentina beat France on penalties to claim their third title.
2023
Inter Miami & 8th Ballon d'Or
Joined MLS side Inter Miami, winning the Leagues Cup in his first season and claiming a record 8th Ballon d'Or award.

"I never thought about being the best in the world. I just thought about improving every day, enjoying the game, and winning things with my team."

— Lionel Messi

Honours

The Trophy Cabinet

🏆
FIFA World Cup
Argentina · 2022
Ballon d'Or
8× Winner (2009–2023)
🏅
UEFA Champions League
FC Barcelona · 4× (2006–15)
🇦🇷
Copa América
Argentina · 2021
🎖️
La Liga
FC Barcelona · 10×
🥇
Olympic Gold
Argentina · Beijing 2008
🌟
FIFA Best Player
6× Winner
🏅
Copa del Rey
FC Barcelona · 7×

Playing Style

What Makes Him Different