
1987–present
Greatest soccer player of all time
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 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.
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.
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.
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!