{"id":301688,"first_name":"Lionel Andrés","last_name":"Messi Cuccittini","short_name":"L. Messi","common_name":"Lionel Messi","place_of_birth":"Rosario, Santa Fe","gender":"male","height":170,"weight":72,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-10T01:34:17.240Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-06T00:30:49.171Z","locale":"en","age":37,"stb_id":"lionel-messi","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Lionel Messi","top_position":null,"introduction":"Lionel Andrés Messi, commonly known as 'Leo', is an Argentine professional footballer renowned for his outstanding career as a forward. He currently plays for Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, where he serves as captain. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has set several records, including winning eight Ballon d'Or awards, securing eight titles as the world's best player by FIFA, and amassing 45 team trophies. His prolific career includes numerous accomplishments with clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as instrumental victories with the Argentina national team, such as winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nLionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina, as the third of four children to Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and his wife Celia Cuccittini. Raised in a tight-knit, football-loving family with Italian and Spanish ancestry, Messi developed a passion for the sport early on, often playing with his older brothers and cousins, some of whom also became professional footballers. His earliest influences include his maternal grandmother Celia, whose encouragement and enthusiasm greatly affected him, even influencing his goal celebration gesture of looking up to the sky.\n\n## Youth Career\n### Newell's Old Boys (1995–2000)\nA lifelong supporter, Messi joined Newell's Old Boys at age six. Quickly showcasing immense talent, he scored nearly 500 goals during his youth career, becoming a key part of 'The Machine of '87', a nearly unbeatable youth side. His prowess in ball tricks entertained crowds and reflected his admiration for Brazilian striker Ronaldo. However, at age ten, his footballing future was threatened by a growth hormone deficiency. Though initially supported by Newell's and later scouted by River Plate, the financial demands of his treatment remained a challenge.\n\n### Barcelona (2000–2004)\nIn pursuit of medical and professional opportunities, Messi moved to Spain in 2000, where he joined FC Barcelona at age 13. After overcoming initial hardships and a struggle with homesickness, Messi rose through Barcelona's ranks, particularly shining during his time with the club's youth academy, La Masia. By 16, Messi's extraordinary skills earned him a professional contract. Initially held back by physical challenges, he intensely trained to improve his strength, propelling him towards a burgeoning career with Barcelona's first team.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Barcelona (2004–2021)\nLionel Messi made his competitive debut for Barcelona in October 2004 at age 17 and soon became integral to the team. Within a few years, he helped Barcelona secure a treble in the 2008–09 season and began his Ballon d'Or winning streak, claiming this prestigious honor four consecutive times by 2012. Messi set a European record during the 2011–12 season with 73 goals in all competitions and broke numerous records for individual goals, assists, and appearances. Over 17 years, Messi won 34 trophies with Barcelona, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues.\n\n### Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)\nMessi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 following his departure from Barcelona due to financial constraints. He continued his streak of excellence, contributing to PSG's Ligue 1 titles for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.\n\n### Inter Miami (2023–present)\nMessi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023. In a whirlwind start, he led the team to its first trophy by winning the Leagues Cup and set a new club record for goals by his second season. His time in MLS has been marked by breaking several records, including assists and goal contributions per match, highlighting his sustained brilliance.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nMessi made his mark early with Argentina's youth teams, leading them to victory at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and claiming an Olympic gold medal in 2008.\n\n### Senior National Team\nMessi debuted for Argentina's senior team in 2005, swiftly rising to become the squad's all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player. Despite initial setbacks in major tournaments, he captained the team to victory in the 2021 Copa América, breaking a 28-year championship drought for Argentina, and crowned this achievement with a victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nMessi is renowned for his agility and low center of gravity, European honing him as a proficient dribbler and playmaker. Predominantly left-footed, he combines his dribbling with exceptional finishing, vision, and passing abilities, often described as magical. His technical skill set has allowed him to excel in various attacking roles, from a winger to a false nine, capable of dictating play from deeper positions as his career has progressed. Messi's tactical understanding and teamwork have been pivotal in his individual and team successes throughout his career.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his illustrious career, Messi has accumulated over 850 senior goals for club and country, with numerous assists and goal contributions in prominent leagues and international competitions.\n\n## Records\nMessi holds several personal and team records, including most goals in La Liga, most international appearances and goals by a South American male, and most goals for a single club, among others.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\nMessi boasts an extensive list of team honors, including multiple La Liga, Champions League, Ligue 1, and domestic cup titles, alongside international victories such as the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.\n\n### Individual Achievements\nHis personal accolades include eight Ballon d'Or awards, numerous European Golden Shoes, and MVP honors across various leagues and competitions.\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nMessi's complete trophy collection and his inclusion in major sports award ceremonies position him as one of history's most celebrated athletes, regularly receiving recognition for his vast contributions to the game.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nLionel Messi's career is distinguished by his exemplary skill, contributions to club and country, and numerous records, establishing him as a monumental figure in football history, comparable to legends before him.\n\n## Off the Field\nRenowned for his humility and engagement beyond the pitch, Messi's commercial ventures include sponsorships with Adidas, Pepsi, Konami, and appearances in video game series. His philanthropy, notably through the Leo Messi Foundation, focuses on youth education and health initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to societal impact.\n\n## Personal Life\nPrivately, Messi's life revolves around his family, having been married to Antonela Roccuzzo since 2017, with whom he shares three sons. A proud Rosario native, Messi maintains strong ties to his hometown and family roots, emphasizing the importance of his Argentine identity even as he reached global stardom.","stb_internal_id":"019313b5-18ef-7f6c-a15b-36f9b1068d88","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":null,"roles":"player","has_biography":null,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Lionel Andrés Messi, commonly known as 'Leo', is an Argentine professional footballer renowned for his outstanding career as a forward. He currently plays for Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, where he serves as captain. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has set several records, including winning eight Ballon d'Or awards, securing eight titles as the world's best player by FIFA, and amassing 45 team trophies. His prolific career includes numerous accomplishments with clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as instrumental victories with the Argentina national team, such as winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina, as the third of four children to Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and his wife Celia Cuccittini. Raised in a tight-knit, football-loving family with Italian and Spanish ancestry, Messi developed a passion for the sport early on, often playing with his older brothers and cousins, some of whom also became professional footballers. His earliest influences include his maternal grandmother Celia, whose encouragement and enthusiasm greatly affected him, even influencing his goal celebration gesture of looking up to the sky.

Youth Career

Newell's Old Boys (1995–2000)

A lifelong supporter, Messi joined Newell's Old Boys at age six. Quickly showcasing immense talent, he scored nearly 500 goals during his youth career, becoming a key part of 'The Machine of '87', a nearly unbeatable youth side. His prowess in ball tricks entertained crowds and reflected his admiration for Brazilian striker Ronaldo. However, at age ten, his footballing future was threatened by a growth hormone deficiency. Though initially supported by Newell's and later scouted by River Plate, the financial demands of his treatment remained a challenge.

Barcelona (2000–2004)

In pursuit of medical and professional opportunities, Messi moved to Spain in 2000, where he joined FC Barcelona at age 13. After overcoming initial hardships and a struggle with homesickness, Messi rose through Barcelona's ranks, particularly shining during his time with the club's youth academy, La Masia. By 16, Messi's extraordinary skills earned him a professional contract. Initially held back by physical challenges, he intensely trained to improve his strength, propelling him towards a burgeoning career with Barcelona's first team.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Barcelona (2004–2021)

Lionel Messi made his competitive debut for Barcelona in October 2004 at age 17 and soon became integral to the team. Within a few years, he helped Barcelona secure a treble in the 2008–09 season and began his Ballon d'Or winning streak, claiming this prestigious honor four consecutive times by 2012. Messi set a European record during the 2011–12 season with 73 goals in all competitions and broke numerous records for individual goals, assists, and appearances. Over 17 years, Messi won 34 trophies with Barcelona, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues.

Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)

Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 following his departure from Barcelona due to financial constraints. He continued his streak of excellence, contributing to PSG's Ligue 1 titles for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.

Inter Miami (2023–present)

Messi signed with Inter Miami in July 2023. In a whirlwind start, he led the team to its first trophy by winning the Leagues Cup and set a new club record for goals by his second season. His time in MLS has been marked by breaking several records, including assists and goal contributions per match, highlighting his sustained brilliance.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Messi made his mark early with Argentina's youth teams, leading them to victory at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and claiming an Olympic gold medal in 2008.

Senior National Team

Messi debuted for Argentina's senior team in 2005, swiftly rising to become the squad's all-time leading goalscorer and most-capped player. Despite initial setbacks in major tournaments, he captained the team to victory in the 2021 Copa América, breaking a 28-year championship drought for Argentina, and crowned this achievement with a victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Messi is renowned for his agility and low center of gravity, European honing him as a proficient dribbler and playmaker. Predominantly left-footed, he combines his dribbling with exceptional finishing, vision, and passing abilities, often described as magical. His technical skill set has allowed him to excel in various attacking roles, from a winger to a false nine, capable of dictating play from deeper positions as his career has progressed. Messi's tactical understanding and teamwork have been pivotal in his individual and team successes throughout his career.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has accumulated over 850 senior goals for club and country, with numerous assists and goal contributions in prominent leagues and international competitions.

Records

Messi holds several personal and team records, including most goals in La Liga, most international appearances and goals by a South American male, and most goals for a single club, among others.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Messi boasts an extensive list of team honors, including multiple La Liga, Champions League, Ligue 1, and domestic cup titles, alongside international victories such as the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Individual Achievements

His personal accolades include eight Ballon d'Or awards, numerous European Golden Shoes, and MVP honors across various leagues and competitions.

Awards and Recognition

Messi's complete trophy collection and his inclusion in major sports award ceremonies position him as one of history's most celebrated athletes, regularly receiving recognition for his vast contributions to the game.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Lionel Messi's career is distinguished by his exemplary skill, contributions to club and country, and numerous records, establishing him as a monumental figure in football history, comparable to legends before him.

Off the Field

Renowned for his humility and engagement beyond the pitch, Messi's commercial ventures include sponsorships with Adidas, Pepsi, Konami, and appearances in video game series. His philanthropy, notably through the Leo Messi Foundation, focuses on youth education and health initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to societal impact.

Personal Life

Privately, Messi's life revolves around his family, having been married to Antonela Roccuzzo since 2017, with whom he shares three sons. A proud Rosario native, Messi maintains strong ties to his hometown and family roots, emphasizing the importance of his Argentine identity even as he reached global stardom.

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Transfer	Goal	Assists
Argentina January 2005 - Now	1	1
Inter Miami July 2023 - Now	22	9

Lionel Messi: Career