Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Known for his dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability, Messi gained fame through his exceptional career at FC Barcelona, where he set numerous records and won multiple Ballon d'Or awards. Messi has also had significant success with the Argentina national team, winning the Copa América in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Beyond his footballing achievements, Messi is involved in various philanthropic efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on health and education projects for vulnerable children. His global influence and contributions to the sport have cemented his legacy as a football icon.

Messi comes from a very humble and hardworking background; he developed an interest in football very early on.

• Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
• He began playing football at a young age, influenced by his family, particularly his grandmother, Celia.
• His first club was club Grandoli at the age of four, coached by his father.
• He joined Newell's Old Boys, a Rosario-based club, at the age of six.
• He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age 10.
• His family faced financial difficulties affording his medical treatment.
• In 2000, at age 13, Messi moved to Spain with his family after FC Barcelona offered to pay for his medical treatment and enrolled him in their youth academy, La Masia.
• He developed his skills at Barcelona's renowned youth academy, quickly progressing through the ranks.
• He made his official debut for FC Barcelona's first team on November 16, 2003, in a friendly match against FC Porto at the age of 16.

Lionel Messi's focus has been primarily on his illustrious football career, but he keeps close contact with his family and maintains a relatively low public profile regarding his personal life and family details.

• His father, Jorge Messi, was a steel factory manager. His mother, Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop.
• He has two elder brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol.
• He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood girlfriend; they married on June 30, 2017.
• He has three children: Thiago Messi, born November 2, 2012; Mateo Messi, born September 11, 2015; and Ciro Messi, born March 10, 2018.
• He primarily resides in Miami, Florida (due to his contract with Inter Miami) and also maintains a home in Barcelona, Spain.
• He maintains a strong bond with his parents and siblings, who have been supportive throughout his career.
• His family frequently attends his matches and events.
• He is known for keeping his personal life relatively private, despite his global fame.
• He is involved in various charitable activities through the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports health, education, and sports initiatives for children.
• His wife, Antonela, is also active in various charitable activities and supports Messi's philanthropic efforts.