Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history. Born on June 24, 1987, Messi is 39 years old. He captains Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, and holds the record with eight Ballon d'Or awards.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Age | 39 |
| Birthplace | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Position | Forward |
| Current Club | Inter Miami (2023–present) |
| Wife | Antonela Roccuzzo (married 2017) |
| Children | 3 sons (Thiago, Mateo, Ciro) |
| Ballon d'Or Wins | 8 (all-time record) |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$1.1 billion (Forbes, 2026) |
Early Life
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, the third of four children of Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and Celia Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing workshop. From a football-loving family, Messi played for the youth teams of local club Newell's Old Boys from the age of eight.
As a child, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and the expensive treatment placed a heavy financial burden on his family. His extraordinary talent opened the door to a life-changing opportunity: at the age of 13, FC Barcelona offered him a place at its famed La Masia youth academy in Spain while helping cover his medical treatment. Messi moved across the Atlantic and rose rapidly through Barcelona's youth ranks, his low center of gravity, close control, and remarkable left foot setting him apart.
Club Career
Barcelona (2004–2021)
Messi made his competitive debut for Barcelona at age 17 in 2004 and scored his first senior goal the following year. Over 17 seasons, he became Barcelona's all-time top scorer with 672 goals for a single club — a world record. He won ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies with the club, helping Barcelona achieve the treble twice. He set the European record for most goals in a single season and scored 91 goals in a single calendar year, a record that still stands.
Financial turmoil at the club forced his emotional departure in 2021, ending the most decorated spell by any player at one club in football history.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, winning two Ligue 1 titles. Though individually less spectacular than his Barcelona years, the move kept him competing at the highest level of European football.
Inter Miami (2023–present)
In 2023, Messi surprised the football world by signing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He won the Leagues Cup within weeks of his debut, finishing as the tournament's top scorer. He subsequently helped the club win the MLS Supporters' Shield, the MLS Cup, and the Campeones Cup. His contract with Inter Miami runs through December 2028, and the club is reportedly planning a long-term future with him that could include an ownership stake after he stops playing.
International Career
Messi debuted for Argentina's senior team in 2005. After years of near misses — including the 2014 World Cup final defeat — he finally led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title in 2022 in Qatar, ending the country's 36-year wait and cementing his place alongside Diego Maradona in Argentine football lore.
He also won the Copa América with Argentina in 2021 and 2024, plus the 2008 Olympic gold and the 2005 U-20 World Cup. At the 2026 World Cup, Argentina finished as runners-up. On October 6, 2026, Messi played an emotional farewell match for the national team against Benin in Buenos Aires, retiring from international football after more than two decades in the Albiceleste shirt.
Wife and Family
Messi married Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart from Rosario, in June 2017 in a ceremony in their hometown. The couple has three sons: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015), and Ciro (born 2018). Antonela and the children frequently appear at Inter Miami matches, and Messi has described fatherhood as the most important part of his life.
Net Worth
In 2026, Messi appeared on Forbes' World's Billionaires list with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, making him one of very few athletes to reach billionaire status. He had already surpassed $1 billion in career earnings by 2020, and Forbes ranked him as the world's highest-paid athlete in 2019 and 2022. His wealth comes from football salaries, lifetime endorsement deals — most notably with Adidas — and business investments. Other outlets publish lower estimates in the $850 million range, so figures should be treated as estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Messi?
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, making him 39 years old.
Who is Messi's wife?
Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart from Rosario, Argentina. They married in 2017.
How many Ballon d'Or awards has Messi won?
Eight — the most in history, ahead of every other player.
What is Messi's net worth?
Forbes listed him on its 2026 billionaires list with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion.
Which club does Messi play for now?
Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he is captain. His contract runs through December 2028.
Did Messi retire from Argentina?
Yes — he played his final match for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026, after winning the 2022 World Cup with the Albiceleste.