Early Life Lionel Messi, widely recognized as one of the preeminent soccer virtuosos of all time, entered the world on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. As the third child among four siblings in the Messi clan, his father, Jorge Messi, toiled as a manager in a steel factory, while his mother, Celia Cuccittini, found employment in a workshop dedicated to manufacturing magnets. A family fervently devoted to the sport; the Messi’s played a pivotal role in nurturing his profound adoration for football. From a tender age, Messi’s existence revolved around football, engaging in matches with his elder brothers, Rodrigo and MatÃas, and his cousins, Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi, both of whom would later burgeon into professional footballers. Initiating his journey into the world of football at a mere age of four, Messi embarked upon his sporting odyssey when he enlisted with the local Grandoli club, under the guidance of his father. An early source of inspiration in his life was his maternal grandmother, Celia, who accompanied him to training sessions and matches. Her untimely departure shortly before Messi’s eleventh birthday left an indelible imprint on him, leading him to commence celebrating his goals as a tribute to the memory of his grandmother, resonating with his unwavering commitment to his Roman Catholic faith. Club Career: Barcelona The ascent of Messi to the apogee of football stardom unfurled as a prodigious spectacle. Ingress into Barcelona’s youth ranks ushered in an era of rapid progression. At the tender age of 16 years and four months, he inaugurated his sojourn in the first team during a friendly confrontation against José Mourinho’s Porto in November 2003. His scintillating performance at that juncture etched an enduring impression upon the technical staff, warranting his regular participation in training sessions with both Barcelona B and the first team. It was during this phase that Ronaldinho, the luminary of the club, presaged that the nascent Messi would eclipse even his own luminous brilliance. In 2005, Messi penned his inaugural senior team contract with Barcelona, commemorating his eighteenth birthday. His breakthrough was realized during the Joan Gamper Trophy, where he garnered accolades for his virtuoso performance against Juventus. Despite overtures from other clubs, Messi opted to remain loyal to Barcelona, thereby assuming the mantle of an indispensable stalwart within the team. The annus mirabilis of Messi’s career transpired during the 2008-09 season. Notching 38 goals in 51 appearances, he played an instrumental role in amassing a staggering century of goals in all competitions for Barcelona, setting a new benchmark for the club. His ascendancy in the Champions League as the top scorer was pivotal in propelling Barcelona towards a historic treble triumph. Commensurate with his exceptional exploits, Messi’s professional tryst with Barcelona was cemented with a fresh contract, catapulting him into the echelons of the highest-earning player at the club. His triumphs persistently burgeoned, and his tenure was further extended, affirming his status as a venerated Barcelona luminary. International Career Embarking upon his international career in 2004, Messi made his debut for Argentina against Paraguay, a mere five days after celebrating his seventeenth birthday. Despite being eligible to represent Spain due to his dual nationality, Messi unequivocally elected to champion the cause of Argentina, a commitment that coursed through the depths of his soul. His journey with the national team was marked by an unceasing effusion of contributions, encompassing record-shattering feats and remarkable milestones. In 2016, Messi briefly contemplated retirement… Achievements Messi’s achievements with Argentina: FIFA World Cup 2022 Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 All-time leading goalscorer: 106 Most international caps: 178 Most goals for a South American nation: 106 Youngest Argentinian to score at a World Cup: 18 years 357 days First player to score in four different World Cup tournaments for Argentina Most individual World Cup appearances: 26 Most Argentina World Cup goals: 13 Only player to score in World Cup group stage, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final Club records La Liga titles: 10 Copa del Rey titles: 7 UEFA Champions League titles: 4 Most goals for Barcelona: 672 Most trophies won at Barcelona: 35 Most games played for Barcelona: 778 Most goals in La Liga: 474 Most hat-tricks in La Liga: 36 Most goals in El Clasico: 26 Most goals in a La Liga season: 50 [2011-12 season] Most goals for club and country in a year [Guinness World Record]: 91 [2012] Most goals in the UEFA Champions League with the same team: 120 Individual awards Ballon d’Or: 8 FIFA World Player of the Year: 7 La Liga Player of the Year: 9 European Golden Shoe: 6 Laureus World Sports Award: 2 World Cup Golden Ball: 2 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year: 2 Copa America Most Valuable Player: 2
