Lionel Messi Biography: Ballon d’Or Records, Age, Family And Net Worth

Lionel Andrés Messi, often referred to as Leo or Lionel Messi, is an Argentine professional football player. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi developed a passion for football at a very young age.

Growing up in a modest family, Messi faced various health challenges, including a growth hormone deficiency. However, his indomitable spirit and extraordinary talent led him to overcome these barriers and emerge as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Lionel Messi’s Early Football Career

Sportxparte understands that Messi began playing football at the age of five with Grandoli, a club coached by his father. Later, at the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency and had to switch to Newell’s Old Boys. Despite River Plate’s interest in him, they could not afford the expensive treatment. Fortunately, FC Barcelona’s sporting director, Carles Rexach, noticed Messi’s talent and signed him, offering to pay for his medical bills.

Despite not having an initial interest in the sport. He later joined the Junior FCB (FC Barcelona) in 2003 and made history as the youngest player at the time.

Messi and his family had moved to Spain, where he excelled in the club’s youth teams. He quickly rose through the ranks and started for the Barcelona B team, scoring an impressive 35 goals in 30 matches.

At the age of 16, Messi was already showcasing his skills and exceptional playmaking abilities at FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most renowned football clubs. With his remarkable dribbling skills, impeccable control over the ball, and effortless speed, Messi quickly established himself as a key player for Barcelona.

Since his debut, Messi has achieved unparalleled success, both individually and with his team. He has collected numerous accolades, including Ballon d’Or titles, which are awarded to the best footballer in the world. Messi’s extraordinary goal-scoring prowess has earned him the distinction of being Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing countless records along the way.

Throughout his career, Messi has displayed unmatched consistency and versatility. He seamlessly adapts to various positions on the field, effortlessly combining playmaking skills with deadly accuracy in front of the goal. His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has earned him immense respect from football enthusiasts worldwide, Sportxparte reports.

Messi’s impressive achievements extend beyond his club career. He has represented Argentina in numerous international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup. Despite facing disappointment in some of these competitions, Messi’s commitment and passion for his country have never wavered.

Messi Going Beyond Football

Beyond his technical brilliance, Messi is admired for his humility and charitable endeavours off the pitch. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, established in 2007, he actively supports initiatives aimed at children’s education and healthcare. His philanthropic work serves as an inspiration to fans and aspiring athletes alike, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact on society.

Despite enduring setbacks and challenges, Messi’s resilience and unwavering dedication to football have solidified his legacy. His extraordinary skill set, combined with his humility and determination, have transformed him into a role model for aspiring footballers across the globe.

Today, Lionel Messi’s name reverberates among the greats of football history. His unrivalled contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark and earned him a place amongst the greatest footballers to have ever graced the game. Lionel Messi’s journey stands as a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Lionel Messi Family

The star player, born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, alongside his three siblings, has a notable family. His father held a managerial position at a Steel factory, while his mother worked diligently as a house cleaner to support the family. Among his siblings, he has two older brothers and a younger sister.

Moving on to Messi’s own family, the now eight-time Balon d’Or winner is a proud father of three boys. Their names are Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The firstborn, Thiago Messi Roccuzzo, entered the world in 2012. Messi creatively announced the arrival of Thiago by placing the ball under his shirt after scoring a goal against Ecuador in Argentina’s resounding 4-0 victory.

Following Thiago, Mateo was born in 2015. Lastly, the youngest member of the family, Ciro Messi, was born on March 10, 2018.

Lionel Messi’s wife: Antonela Roccuzzo, holds a special place in his heart. They have been together since their childhood and began dating in 2008. Eventually, they tied the knot in 2017. Messi admires his wife’s accomplishments, highlighting her role as a model for Ricky Sarkany and her bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from the National University of Rosario. Additionally, she has secured partnerships with renowned brands like Adidas and Stella McCartney.

Ballon d’Or Records

The recipient of the 2023 Ballon d’Or has been officially declared, with Lionel Messi emerging victorious and securing an unprecedented eighth accolade. The esteemed Argentine forward, who represented Paris Saint-Germain during the previous season and currently plays for Inter Miami, led his national team to triumph in the World Cup held in Qatar last December, thus putting an end to a 36-year anticipation for Argentina.

Notably, Messi’s remarkable achievement surpasses that of any other player, as he has now claimed the prestigious award on three occasions more than any of his counterparts. The announcement of Lionel Messi as the recipient of the Ballon d’Or 2023 was made during a grand ceremony held in Paris on Monday, October 30, further solidifying his status as a football icon, Sportxparte reports.

Watch the moment Messi was awarded the 8th Ballon d’Or:

UEFA Champions League, Other Trophies Won

Messi had spent a chunk of his professional career with Barcelona, winning a club-record 34 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and the UEFA Champions League four times, until his departure from the club in 2021. Additionally, he achieved success in his home country, winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

How Many Trophies Has Messi Won?

Lionel Messi has accumulated a remarkable 97 trophies over the course of his career. During his impressive 17-year tenure with Barcelona, he secured an astounding 35 trophies as a player for the first team. Additionally, he has earned 53 individual accolades.

In the last few months, Messi has won the following trophies: Ligue 1, French Super Cup and Leagues Cup.

Messi Current Football Club

Lionel Messi’s current team is Inter Miami, Sportxparte reports. The 2022 World Cup Winner secured his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States just a few months ago.

Messi has earlier played for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) while he has represented the Argentina national football team throughout his career. The Argentine superstar joined David Beckham’s club in July 2023, and his contract is expected to run until 2025.

Major news for Messi’s move to Inter Miami was first broadcast by journalist, Guillem Balague, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that Messi had opted to join the American club.

Messi Net Worth 2023

Based on various reports and estimates, Lionel Messi’s net worth is roughly estimated to be around $600 million in 2023.

This figure takes into account his earnings from his football career, including lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei. Additionally, Messi’s long-standing association with FC Barcelona has resulted in significant financial benefits, including his salary and bonuses.

Furthermore, Messi has also ventured into other business endeavours, such as the establishment of his own clothing line and investment in real estate projects. It is important to note that net worth estimates may vary and are subject to change due to various factors, such as market conditions and fluctuations in endorsement deals.

List of Men’s Ballon d’Or award winners since 1956