Messi is an Argentine former professional footballer who played forward for the Argentina national team and FC Barcelona.
He was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, to a football-loving family with Italian and Spanish ancestry.
He moved to Spain at age 13 after FC Barcelona agreed to pay for his medical treatments.
He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, which required expensive treatment and put a strain on his family’s finances.
He is considered one of the best players in football history and the only player to win six FIFA Ballons d’Or and three European Golden Shoes.
He also holds many world records for most goals scored in various competitions.
He was nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or for the first time in 2009, when he was 21, and received both awards on the same year.
He helped Barcelona win multiple titles, including four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles.
He helped Argentina win their first major international trophy in 2021, guiding them to a Copa America triumph.
He helped Argentina win their third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022.
He is naturally left-footed, quick, and precise in control of the ball.
He is a keen pass distributor and can readily thread his way through packed defenses.
He has a trademark move of dribbling past opponents with his left foot and cutting inside to shoot with his right foot.
He has scored over 700 goals for club and country in his career.
He has scored over 50 goals in a single season six times.
He has scored over 40 goals in a single season 11 times.
He has scored over 30 goals in a single season 14 times.
He has scored over 20 goals in a single season 16 times.
He has scored over 10 goals in a single season 18 times.
He has scored four goals in a single match six times.
He has scored five goals in a single match once, against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in 2012.
He has scored six hat-tricks for Argentina and 54 hat-tricks for Barcelona.
He has scored eight hat-tricks in the Champions League, the most by any player.
He has scored 36 hat-tricks in La Liga, the most by any player.
He has scored 474 goals in La Liga, the most by any player.
He has scored 120 goals in the Champions League, the second-most by any player behind Cristiano Ronaldo (139).
He has scored 79 goals in international matches, the most by any South American male player.
He has scored nine goals in World Cup matches, the most by any Argentine player.
He has scored six goals in Copa America matches, the most by any Argentine player since Gabriel Batistuta (10).
He has scored four goals in Olympic matches, helping Argentina win gold medals in 2008 and 2016
He has provided 192 assists in La Liga, the most by any player
He has provided 35 assists in the Champions League, the third-most by any player behind Cristiano Ronaldo (42) and Ryan Giggs (36)
He has provided 17 assists in Copa America matches, the most by any player since records began
He has provided 34 assists in international matches, the second-most by any South American male player behind Neymar (45)
He has won 35 trophies with Barcelona, the most by any player in the club’s history
He has won 10 trophies with Argentina, the most by any player in the national team’s history
He has won the European Golden Shoe award for being the top scorer in Europe’s top leagues three times, in 2010, 2012, and 2013
He has won the Pichichi Trophy for being the top scorer in La Liga eight times, in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021
He has won the FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball award for being the best player in the tournament three times, in 2009, 2011, and 2015.
He has won the Copa America Golden Ball award for being the best player in the tournament twice, in 2015 and 2021
He has won the World Cup Golden Ball award for being the best player in the tournament once, in 2014
He has won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award twice, in 2011 and 2015.
He has won the FIFA The Best Men’s Player Award once, in 2019.
He has won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award once, in 2020.
He has won the ESPY Award for Best International Athlete twice, in 2012 and 2015.
He has won the GQ Sportsman of the Year Award once, in 2011.
He has won the L’Équipe Champion of Champions Award once, in 2019.
He has been named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI (the best team of the year) 14 times, from 2007 to 2020.
He has been named in the UEFA Team of the Year (the best team of the year) nine times, from 2008 to 2020.
He has been named in the Copa America Team of the Tournament (the best team of the tournament) five times, from 2007 to 2021.
Lionel Messi’s Net Worth
According to Forbes, Messi’s net worth is estimated to be $130 million as of May 2023, making him the second-highest-paid athlete in the world behind LeBron James. He earns $75 million in salary and winnings from Paris Saint-Germain and $55 million from endorsements with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, Socios.com and others. Other sources have estimated his net worth to be higher, ranging from $400 million to $600 million.
How did Messi earn his fortune?
Messi earned his fortune mainly from his soccer career, where he has been one of the highest-paid athletes in the world for over a decade. He has received lucrative contracts from FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as bonuses and incentives for his performance and achievements. He has also earned a lot from his endorsements with various brands, such as Adidas, Pepsi, Socios.com and others. He has a lifelong deal with Adidas that pays him an estimated $12 million per year. He also launched his own clothing line and retail outlet, the Messi Store, in 20191. Additionally, he has invested in some properties and businesses, such as a hotel chain in Spain and a player representation agency run by his brother Rodrigo.
How does Messi spend his fortune?
Messi spends his fortune on various things, such as luxury cars, stunning properties, a private jet, and a hotel. According to different sources, some of his expenses are:
He owns a $7 million mansion on the outskirts of Barcelona, which has a football field, a pool, a gym, and a playground.
He has an impressive car collection that includes a $2 million Pagani Zonda Tricolore, a Ferrari F430 Spyder, a Dodge Charger SRT8, and a Maserati Gran Turismo. He is also rumored to have bought the most expensive car ever, a 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Spider Scaglietti, for $37 million in 2016.
He leases a $17 million luxury private jet that has his jersey number 10 on the tail and his family’s names on the steps. He uses the jet to travel with his wife and three children.
He purchased a $36 million hotel in Sitges, Spain, as part of a business venture. The hotel has 77 rooms and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
Why did Messi choose to go to MLS and Inter Miami?
According to the news reports, Lionel Messi has decided to join Inter Miami, a MLS team co-owned by David Beckham. He revealed his decision in interviews with Spanish news outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport on June 7, 2023. He said that after winning the World Cup with Argentina and not being able to return to Barcelona, he wanted to “live football in another way”. He also said that he was impressed by Beckham’s vision and ambition for the club. He reportedly has an incredible £7.5m apartment waiting for him in Miami. His former teammate Neymar said he was “sad and happy” about Messi’s move and that he was “certain” Messi would “change” MLS in USA. Alexis Lalas, a former US defender, warned that Inter Miami could become a “super club Death Star” with Messi’s arrival.
When will Messi make his debut for Inter Miami?
According to the reports, Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain will expire on June 30, 2023. His debut for Inter Miami could come as soon as July 8 against DC United, but a more realistic debut date is July 21 in Leagues Cup action against Mexican side Cruz Azul. He is expected to play his first home game at DRV PNK Stadium on July 24 against Orlando City SC.
Top 10 Most Inspirational Quotes From Lionel Messi
“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.” This quote shows Messi’s determination and passion for his goal of becoming a professional footballer. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, dedication and effort in achieving one’s dreams.
“The best decisions aren’t made with your mind, but with your instinct.” This quote reveals Messi’s intuition and creativity on the field. He trusts his gut feeling and his natural talent to make the right moves and actions. He suggests that sometimes logic and reason are not enough to succeed in complex situations.
“You can overcome anything, if and only if you love something enough.” This quote reflects Messi’s resilience and optimism in the face of challenges and difficulties. He believes that love is the strongest motivation and the most powerful force to overcome any obstacle. He implies that nothing is impossible if you have a strong passion and a clear purpose.
“I never look back at what I have achieved because I am always looking at the future. I can look back at what I have achieved when I am retired – but until then it is all about focus.” This quote demonstrates Messi’s ambition and humility. He does not dwell on his past achievements or let them get to his head. He always strives to improve himself and to achieve more goals. He maintains his focus and concentration on the present and the future.
“I don’t need the best hairstyle or the best body. Just give me a ball at my feet and I’ll show you what I can do.” This quote expresses Messi’s confidence and simplicity. He does not care about superficial things or appearances. He only cares about his performance and his skills. He lets his actions speak for themselves and proves his worth with his talent.
“Sometimes you have to accept you can’t win all the time.” This quote acknowledges Messi’s realism and sportsmanship. He recognizes that winning is not everything and that losing is part of the game. He accepts defeat gracefully and learns from it. He does not let failure discourage him or stop him from trying again.
“Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift.” This quote conveys Messi’s joy and gratitude for his family. He values his personal life and his relationships more than his professional career. He thanks God for blessing him with a son and expresses his happiness for being a father.
“My ambition is always to get better and better.” This quote illustrates Messi’s drive and excellence. He never settles for less or becomes complacent. He always seeks to grow as a player and as a person. He challenges himself to reach higher levels of performance and quality.
“The day you think there is no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player.” This quote indicates Messi’s curiosity and learning attitude. He believes that there is always room for improvement and that one can always learn something new. He thinks that being satisfied with one’s current state is a sign of stagnation and decline.
“I am more worried about being a good person than being the best football player in the world.” This quote reveals Messi’s character and integrity. He cares more about his moral values and his reputation than his fame or success. He wants to be respected and admired for who he is, not for what he does.
How Did Messi Meet His Wife?
According to various sources, Messi met his wife Antonela Roccuzzo when they were both children in their hometown of Rosario, Argentina. They were friends through Messi’s soccer teammate Lucas Scaglia, who was Antonela’s cousin. Messi had a crush on Antonela since he was 9 years old, but they did not start dating until many years later.
Messi left Argentina when he was 12 to join Barcelona’s soccer team, and he and Antonela lost contact for a while. They reconnected in 2005, when Messi returned to Rosario for a visit. Antonela had just lost her best friend in a car accident, and Messi offered his support and comfort. They started a long-distance relationship, which they kept secret for several years.
Messi confirmed his relationship with Antonela in 2008, when he was asked about his girlfriend on a TV show. He said that she was in Argentina and that he was very happy and calm with her. They moved in together in Barcelona in 2010, and welcomed their first son Thiago in 2012. They had two more sons, Mateo in 2015 and Ciro in 2018.
Messi and Antonela got married in 2017, in a lavish ceremony in Rosario that was attended by many celebrities and soccer stars. They are still happily married and often share their family moments on social media.
Do their sons play soccer too?
According to various sources, Messi has three sons with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. They were all born in Barcelona, Spain, where Messi played for FC Barcelona for most of his career. Their names and ages are:
Thiago Messi Roccuzzo, 10 years old. He was born on November 2, 2012. He is the eldest son and has a tattoo of his name and handprint on Messi’s left calf.
Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, 7 years old. He was born on September 11, 2015. He is the middle son and has a tattoo of his name and handprint on Messi’s right arm.
Ciro Messi Roccuzzo, 4 years old. He was born on March 10, 2018. He is the youngest son and has a tattoo of his name and handprint on Messi’s right ribcage.
Messi’s sons are also interested in soccer and have enrolled in the PSG soccer academy after their father joined the French club in 2021. They often accompany Messi to his games and celebrate with him on the field. They also appear on Messi’s and Antonela’s social media accounts, where they show their cute and playful personalities.
Who is Messi’s best friend?
Messi has many friends in the football world, but some of his closest ones are:
Luis Suarez: Messi’s former Barcelona teammate and current Atletico Madrid striker. They met in 2014 when Suarez joined Barcelona and formed a formidable partnership with Messi and Neymar. They are also neighbors and their families are very close. Messi was very upset when Barcelona sold Suarez to Atletico in 2020 and publicly criticized the club for their decision. Suarez presented Messi with his seventh Ballon d’Or trophy in 2021.
Sergio Aguero: Messi’s childhood friend and current Barcelona teammate. They met in 2005 when they played for Argentina’s under-20 team and won the FIFA World Youth Championship together. They also won the Olympic gold medal together in 2008. They have a brotherly bond and often joke around with each other. Aguero joined Barcelona in 2021 after leaving Manchester City, but has been sidelined with injuries.
Gerard Pique: Messi’s longtime Barcelona teammate and defender. They met in 2004 when they played for Barcelona’s youth team and have since won many trophies together. They have a mutual respect and admiration for each other and often support each other on and off the pitch. Pique is also married to Colombian singer Shakira, who is friends with Messi’s wife Antonela.
Neymar: Messi’s former Barcelona teammate and current PSG teammate. They met in 2013 when Neymar joined Barcelona and formed a lethal trio with Messi and Suarez. They have a great chemistry and friendship on the field and often assist each other with goals. Neymar left Barcelona for PSG in 2017 for a world-record fee, but has maintained his relationship with Messi. He helped PSG sign Messi in 2021 after the latter’s contract with Barcelona expired.
Marco Verratti: Messi’s current PSG teammate and midfielder. They met in 2021 when Messi joined PSG and have since developed a strong connection on the field. Verratti assists Messi with his passes and defends him from opponents. They also spend time together off the field and travel together. Verratti has praised Messi as the best player in the world and said he is honored to play with him.
These are some of Messi’s best friends in football, but he also has other friends such as Ezequiel Lavezzi, Cesc Fabregas, Ronaldinho, Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves, Angel Di Maria, etc.
Who is Messi’s worst enemy?
Messi does not have a personal enemy in football, as he is a respectful and humble player who gets along well with most of his opponents. However, he does face some tough challenges from certain teams and players who try to stop him from scoring or creating goals. Some of his biggest opponents in La Liga are:
Real Madrid: Messi’s arch-rival and Barcelona’s eternal nemesis. The two teams have a long and fierce history of competition and animosity, dating back to the political and cultural differences between Catalonia and Madrid. Messi has faced Real Madrid 45 times in his career, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists. He has also won 19 games, drawn 11 and lost 15 against them.
Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid’s captain and defender, who has often clashed with Messi on the pitch. Ramos is known for his aggressive and physical style of play, which sometimes crosses the line of fair play. He has fouled Messi 22 times in La Liga, more than any other player. He has also received five red cards against Barcelona, the most by any player in El Clasico history.
Diego Simeone: Atletico Madrid’s coach and former player, who has built a formidable team that challenges Barcelona and Real Madrid for the La Liga title. Simeone is a master tactician who knows how to frustrate and neutralize Messi’s threat with his defensive and counter-attacking approach. He has faced Messi 34 times as a coach, winning nine games, drawing 11 and losing 14. He has also conceded 32 goals and scored 25 against Messi’s teams.
The crossbar: Messi’s unexpected and unlucky adversary, who has denied him many goals throughout his career. Messi has hit the woodwork 49 times since 1994, more than any other player in the world. He has also hit the crossbar eight times in the current La Liga season, which is also a record. The crossbar has prevented Messi from scoring some spectacular goals, such as his free-kick against Rennes in 2021.
