Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi

1987–present

Greatest soccer player of all time

Published: September 16, 2025

Lionel Messi

Did you know a boy from Argentina could dribble past an army of defenders like they were standing still? That boy grew up to be Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players ever!

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. He started playing soccer at five and joined Barcelona’s youth academy at thirteen. His magical dribbling, lightning-fast speed, and amazing goal-scoring set him apart. Today, he stars for Paris Saint-Germain and still wows crowds worldwide.

Lionel Messi

Messi’s golden era kicked off in the early 2000s. He won the Ballon d’Or award more times than anyone, led Barcelona to four Champions League titles, and scored over 700 career goals. In 2022, he finally lifted the FIFA World Cup with Argentina—proof that his talent truly knows no limits.

Lionel Messi

What makes Messi truly special is his tiny size and huge heart. At 5’7”, he overcame growth hormone challenges through hard work and passion. He shows us that dedication, grit, and kindness can help anyone reach the top.

Lionel Messi

From street games to giant stadiums, Messi inspires kids everywhere to dribble, dream, and never give up. So next time you kick a ball, think of Messi’s magic and remember: with practice and belief, you can do amazing things too!

Frequently Asked Questions

What position does Messi play?

He is primarily an attacking forward and creative playmaker who often drops deep to create chances and link play with teammates.

Is Messi left-footed?

Yes. He is predominantly left-footed, using that foot for most of his passing, dribbling, and shooting.

What nicknames does he have?

He is commonly called "La Pulga" (The Flea) and is often referred to simply as "Leo."

Which youth club did he play for in Rosario?

He developed as a youngster at Newell's Old Boys in Rosario before moving abroad to continue his career.

Does he run a charity or foundation?

Yes. The Leo Messi Foundation supports projects focused on children's health, education, and community development.

What languages does Messi speak?

He speaks Spanish and Catalan fluently and has conversational ability in English.

Is he married and does he have children?

Yes. He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo and they have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.

Did he have a famous rivalry with another player?

Yes. He had a long-running sporting rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo that generated many memorable matchups and debates.

What jersey number is he best known for?

He is most associated with the number 10 shirt, though earlier in his senior career he also wore number 30.

What are some of his off-field interests?

He spends time with family, supports community and youth projects through his foundation, and is involved in various sponsorship and ambassador roles.