Lionel Messi is one of the most famous athletes in history. He was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. Messi is widely considered the best football player ever. He has changed what it means to be great with his amazing dribbling, vision, goal-scoring skills, and ability to make plays. His low center of gravity and left-footed magic have amazed fans for more than 20 years. He is 1.70 meters (5’7″). Messi is still playing at a high level at the age of 38, in February 2026. He is the captain of both Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Argentina national team.
Early Years and Rise at Barcelona
Messi’s journey started in Rosario, where he showed amazing talent from a young age. As a child, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which caused him a lot of medical and financial problems. He joined FC Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy when he was 13, and the club agreed to pay for his treatment. This was a turning point that led to one of football’s greatest partnerships.
Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17 and quickly became well-known. He was the star player for one of the best club teams ever put together, first under Frank Rijkaard and then Pep Guardiola. He had his big break in 2008–09, when he helped his team win the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League, making history. Messi scored 672 goals (the most in club history), won 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions League trophies, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and many other domestic awards during his 17 years with Barcelona (2004–2021). He also won the European Golden Shoe six times and set new records for most goals scored in a single season, including 73 in all competitions in 2011–12.
International Breakthroughs and Wins with Argentina
At first, people criticized Messi’s international career because he didn’t win any big trophies with Argentina, even though he was a great player. He made his debut in 2005, won the U-20 World Cup that year, and the gold medal at the Olympics in 2008. He lost a lot of early senior tournaments, like the World Cup finals in 2014 (where he won the Golden Ball as the best player) and the Copa América.
The turning point came in 2021, when Argentina won the Copa América on home soil. This ended a 28-year trophy drought for the country. Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they beat France in a thrilling final. He won the Golden Ball again by scoring seven goals and giving three assists. He won another Copa América title in 2024, making him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most capped player. As 2026 begins, Messi hopes to defend his World Cup title in North America, with Argentina using Kansas City as a base and high hopes for his participation despite his age and some minor injuries.
Lionel Messi Net worth
Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at around $850 million.
Breakdown of Wealth
- Football Contracts: Currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, with a lucrative deal that includes salary, bonuses, and equity-related benefits.
- Endorsements: Long-term partnerships with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser, and Mastercard contribute significantly to his income.
- Business Ventures: Owns hotels, investments, and licensing deals under the “Messi” brand.
- Career Earnings: Over $1.5 billion earned across his career from salaries, endorsements, and bonuses.
Key Context
- Messi remains one of the highest-paid athletes globally, even after moving from European football to MLS.
- His arrival at Inter Miami sparked the “Messi effect”, boosting ticket sales, merchandise, and global visibility for the club.
- Despite nearing the twilight of his career, his brand power ensures continued financial growth.
So, while he’s not at the billionaire mark like Cristiano Ronaldo or LeBron James (depending on estimates), Messi’s fortune places him firmly among the top-earning athletes of all time.
Move to PSG and then to MLS
Messi had to leave Barcelona in 2021 after 778 games because of money problems. He signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and will play with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. He won two Ligue 1 titles in two seasons (2021–2023), which added to his collection of trophies. He also got used to a new league and city.
Messi made history in the middle of 2023 when he signed with Inter Miami in MLS as a Designated Player. His arrival changed the league’s image, leading to more fans, viewers, and interest around the world. He delivered right away and helped win the Leagues Cup in 2023. He scored 20 goals in 2024 and won the MLS MVP award. The 2025 season was even better: Messi scored 29 goals (winning the Golden Boot), set up many more, and led Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title. He was the first player to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award two years in a row, breaking records for most goals scored in a row and most individual awards in a single season.
Unmatched Individual Honors
Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards (2009–2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), making him the most decorated player in football history. He has also won The Best FIFA Men’s Player many times, 6 European Golden Shoes, and many other awards. He has the most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012) and the most La Liga goals (474). He also has the most senior career goals and assists, with over 890 and 400, respectively. The IFFHS named him the All-Time Men’s World Best Player in 2025.
He has won more than 45 trophies with his teams, including the 2022 World Cup, several continental titles, and club championships in Europe and now North America. Messi’s style, which mixes creativity, humility, and consistency, has inspired many people.
The 2026 Horizon and Legacy
As the 2026 MLS season begins, Messi is still at the center of Inter Miami’s plans to win the championship again. The team is building around him. His contract goes until 2028, which is when the new stadium will be built. The next FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This could be his last big international event, and if he wins again, he could leave an even bigger legacy, possibly even a ninth Ballon d’Or.
Lionel Messi’s story goes beyond numbers; it is about hard work, talent, and love of football. He started out as a shy boy in Rosario and has since become a world-famous figure who won the World Cup. He has made the sport better while staying true to himself. Messi’s impact on the field will last forever, whether he breaks more records in MLS or leads Argentina to more glory.
Lionel Messi Biography
Early Life
- Born: June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
- Family: Grew up in a working-class family; his father was a steel factory worker and his mother worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop.
- Youth Career: Began playing football at age 5 with Grandoli, then joined Newell’s Old Boys at age 8.
- Health Challenge: Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age 10. Barcelona offered to cover his medical treatment when he joined their academy at 13.
Club Career
- Barcelona (2000–2021):
- Joined La Masia academy in 2000.
- Made first-team debut in 2004 at age 17.
- Played 520 matches, scoring 474 goals.
- Won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies.
- Became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer.
- Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023):
- Signed after leaving Barcelona due to financial constraints.
- Won 2 Ligue 1 titles and continued to shine alongside Neymar and Mbappé.
- Inter Miami (2023–present):
- Joined Major League Soccer, instantly boosting the league’s global profile.
- Scored 50 goals in 53 appearances by 2025.
- Sparked the “Messi effect,” increasing ticket sales, merchandise, and viewership.
International Career
- Argentina Debut: 2005.
- Major Achievements:
- FIFA World Cup Winner (2022, Qatar).
- Copa América Winner (2021, Brazil & 2024, USA).
- Olympic Gold Medal (2008, Beijing).
- Over 196 caps and 115 goals, making him Argentina’s all-time top scorer.
Awards & Records
- Ballon d’Or: 7-time winner (2009–2012, 2015, 2019, 2021).
- FIFA World Player of the Year: Multiple times.
- Most Goals in a Calendar Year: 91 goals in 2012.
- Over 45 major trophies won across club and country.
Net Worth & Legacy
- Net Worth (2026): Estimated at $850 million.
- Endorsements: Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser, Mastercard, among others.
- Business Ventures: Hotels, clothing line, and investments under the “Messi” brand.
- Legacy: Revered not only for his skill but also his humility, sportsmanship, and longevity at the top level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where does Lionel Messi play these days?
Lionel Messi is the captain of Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS). He joined the team in the middle of 2023 and has signed a new contract that lasts until 2028. Inter Miami won their first MLS Cup in December 2025, beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1. Messi was named MVP of the MLS Cup for his two assists in the final. This weekend marks the start of the 2026 MLS season. On Opening Day, Miami will defend their title against LAFC.
- How did Messi do in the 2025 season?
Messi had a great year in 2025. He scored 29 goals and assisted on 19 others during the regular season, winning the MLS Golden Boot. He also won the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award for the second year in a row, which was a first for the league. He set a postseason record with 15 goal contributions (6 goals, 9 assists) on the way to Inter Miami’s first MLS Cup title. He scored or assisted on about 74 goals in 49 games across all competitions.
- How is Messi’s injury doing right now?
Messi just got better from a hamstring/muscle strain he got in the preseason (during a friendly against Barcelona Sporting Club in Ecuador) in mid-February 2026. He missed some practice and a planned friendly in Puerto Rico, but he was back to full practice on February 19, 2026. He should be able to play in Inter Miami’s first MLS game against LAFC, but his workload will be managed gradually, especially since it’s a World Cup year.
- Is Messi going to play in the FIFA World Cup in 2026?
Messi hasn’t officially said that he will play in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, but many people think he will play for Argentina in what could be his last tournament. He will be 39 in June 2026, and reports say that his health during the early MLS season will affect his decision. The coach and players of Argentina are hopeful as the team gets ready for the 2026 Finalissima against Spain. Recent injuries to important players like Lautaro Martínez have made people worried, but Messi is still at the center of the Albiceleste’s plans.
- How many times has Messi won the Ballon d’Or?
Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times (2009–2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023). Ousmane Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, ending Messi’s long run of wins in recent years. Messi personally congratulated Dembélé, bringing up their shared past.
- What are the most important records and totals for Messi’s career?
Messi has scored more than 890 goals and assisted on more than 400 goals in his professional career, both of which are records. Some of the most important things are that he scored the most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012), the most goals in La Liga (474), and won the Ballon d’Or eight times. He led the team to the Copa América in 2021, the World Cup in 2022, and the Copa América in 2024 with Argentina. He has won 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions Leagues (with Barcelona), 2 Ligue 1 titles (with PSG), and now 1 MLS Cup (with Inter Miami), as well as many other domestic cups. In total, he has won more than 45 major trophies.
- Who are some of Messi’s most important teammates at Inter Miami in 2026?
Inter Miami has added to their team around Messi to defend their title. Notable new players and those who will stay with the team include Argentine internationals Rodrigo De Paul (who was on loan) and Germán Berterame, who is now a Designated Player. The team has also gotten more international roster spots to give them more options. Messi has made strong connections with players like De Paul, which has helped them do well in 2025.
- Why is the 2026 season important for Messi and MLS?
The 2026 MLS season will happen at the same time as the FIFA World Cup in North America, which will put the league in the spotlight around the world. Inter Miami plays LAFC first, which has Son Heung-min on its team, making for big games like Messi vs. Son. If Messi stays healthy, analysts say he could win his third straight MLS MVP. However, he may not play as much because of World Cup preparations. The season also marks the move to Inter Miami’s new stadium, Freedom Park.
These frequently asked questions show how Messi’s legacy will last at 38, balancing his club dominance, injury management, and the chance for international glory in a historic year for football.