Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Messi began his professional career with FC Barcelona, where he won multiple titles, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

Messi is known for his incredible dribbling skills, playmaking ability, and goal-scoring prowess. He has won numerous individual awards, including six Ballon d'Or titles, and holds multiple records, such as the most goals in La Liga history.

Off the field, Messi is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Barcelona

• Youth and Early Career: Messi moved to Spain at a young age to join Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia. He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004.

Golden Era

• Success with Barcelona: Messi developed into one of the world's best players at Barcelona, winning ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles. He also won six of his Ballon d'Or awards during his time at the club.

Paris Saint-Germain

• New Challenges: Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, seeking new challenges in Ligue 1. His time at the club is marked by high expectations.

Argentina National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Argentina in 2005.

Achievements:

• Olympic Gold Medal: Winner in 2008.
• Copa America: Winner in 2021.
• Messi is Argentina's all-time top scorer and has the most appearances for the national team.

• Position: Primarily a forward, but also excels as a playmaker.
• Skills: Known for his extraordinary dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring prowess. Messi is celebrated for his creativity, precision, and control of the ball.

• Family: Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, and they have three children.
• Philanthropy: Messi is involved in various charitable activities through his Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to education and health care for vulnerable children.

• Lionel Messi is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his humility, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport. His impact on football and his status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Goals in La Liga:

• Over 470 goals

Most Goals in a Calendar Year:

• Scored 91 goals in 2012

Most Goals for Barcelona:

• Over 670 goals

Most Appearances and Goals for Argentina:

• Most capped player and top scorer

Books

• Caioli, L. (2012) Messi. London: Corinthian Books.
• Part, J. (2013) Messi: A Biography. Chicago: Triumph Books.

Websites

• FIFA: Information about Lionel Messi’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fifa.com
• Barcelona: Details about Messi’s career at FC Barcelona. Available at: https://www.fcbarcelona.com
• Paris Saint-Germain: Official site with updates on Messi’s performance and records at PSG. Available at: https://www.psg.fr
• UEFA: Updates and records of Messi in UEFA competitions. Available at: https://www.uefa.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Lionel Messi: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53838614
• The Guardian: Lionel Messi’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/lionel-messi

Interviews and Documentaries

• Messi (2014): Directed by Álex de la Iglesia. This documentary provides a detailed look at Messi’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Lionel Messi, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com