Argentine footballer born in 1987, considered one of the greatest players in history. A playmaker and forward, he has won a record number of Ballons d'Or and led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup.
Lionel Messi(1987 — ?)
Lionel Messi
Espagne, Italie, Argentine
5 min read
Frequently asked questions
Key Facts
- Born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario (Argentina)
- Joined FC Barcelona's youth academy (La Masia) in 2000
- Won eight Ballons d'Or between 2009 and 2023, a record
- All-time top scorer for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team
- World champion with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Works & Achievements
An unprecedented feat that broke Gerd Müller's record, illustrating his extraordinary efficiency.
The first sextuple in history with FC Barcelona, the collective peak of his club career.
An absolute record for football's supreme individual award worldwide.
His first major title with Argentina, ending a long wait with the national team.
The crowning achievement of his career, a world title in Qatar with the tournament's Golden Ball.
More than 670 goals for the Catalan club, a record that seems unbeatable.
Surpassing Gabriel Batistuta, he became the Albiceleste's record goalscorer.
Anecdotes
As a child, Lionel Messi suffered from a growth hormone deficiency, requiring expensive treatment that his Argentine family could not afford. When he was 13, FC Barcelona offered to pay for his care: a club official reportedly scribbled the first contract on a paper napkin, sealing the future prodigy's move to Catalonia.
On 22 December 2012, Messi scored his 91st goal of the calendar year, breaking the record set in 1972 by German striker Gerd Müller. No player had ever scored so many goals in a single calendar year.
On 18 December 2022, Messi led Argentina to victory in the World Cup final against France, in a match that became legendary (3-3, then a penalty shootout). He finally fulfilled the dream of an entire career, also winning the tournament's Golden Ball.
Messi long wore the number 10, a symbolic legacy of Diego Maradona, another Argentine legend. Throughout his career, he was compared to his illustrious predecessor, until that World Cup triumph brought him into the same pantheon.
Trained at “La Masia,” FC Barcelona's youth academy, Messi rubbed shoulders there with future champions like Xavi and Iniesta. That generation formed the backbone of the most decorated team in the club's history.
Primary Sources
I knew God would give me this moment. I don't know why, but I could feel it. This trophy is something I had been chasing for so long.
In Barcelona, I felt welcomed. The club helped me when I was sick and when no one else was willing to do so.
Winning the Copa América with Argentina changed everything for me. It was an immense relief after so many years.
Key Places
Messi's hometown, where he took his first steps in local clubs like Newell's Old Boys before leaving for Europe.
FC Barcelona's legendary stadium, where Messi spent most of his career and broke countless records.
FC Barcelona's youth academy, which trained Messi and an entire golden generation.
Venue of the 2022 World Cup final, where Messi's Argentina triumphed over France.
Paris Saint-Germain's stadium, where Messi played from 2021 to 2023.
Home of Inter Miami, the club Messi joined in 2023 to bring his football to Major League Soccer.
Typical Objects

The central instrument of his art, which he masters to the point of making it an extension of his own body. The ball used in the 2022 final bore the official World Cup logo.

The legendary football number, inherited from the tradition of playmakers and from Maradona. Messi wore it at Barça, with the national team, and at Inter Miami.

Studded-sole shoes designed for grip on the grass. Messi's boots, often gold-coloured or customised, have become collector's items.

An individual trophy awarded to the best footballer of the year by France Football. Messi holds the all-time record with eight awards.

A solid gold statuette handed to the country that wins the World Cup. Messi lifted it in 2022, fulfilling the dream of his entire career.

A traditional Arab cloak that the Emir of Qatar draped over Messi before he lifted the 2022 World Cup. The gesture sparked debate but left a lasting mark on the image of the ceremony.
School Curriculum
Vocabulary & Tags
Key Vocabulary
Tags
Daily Life
Morning
A professional footballer's morning starts early, with a controlled breakfast and a trip to the training center. There, Messi goes through warm-ups, technical drills, and tactical work with his teammates, under the watchful eye of the fitness coaches.
Afternoon
The afternoon is often devoted to recovery: treatments, massages, stretching, and rest to spare the body. Players also analyze video footage of their opponents and take part in press or sponsorship sessions.
Evening
In the evening, Messi prioritizes family life, with his wife Antonela and their three sons. On match days, the evening revolves around the games at the stadium, sometimes under the floodlights in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
Food
His diet is strictly overseen by nutritionists: vegetables, fish, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates, while limiting sugar and processed foods. This discipline has extended his career at the highest level.
Clothing
At training and during matches, he wears the technical kit of his club and his equipment sponsors. Off the pitch, he adopts a relaxed yet polished style, often associated with the major fashion brands he serves as an ambassador for.
Housing
Messi lives in large, secure residences—in Barcelona, Paris, and then Miami—suited to his global fame. The comfort and the protection of his family's privacy are top priorities there.
Historical Timeline
Period Vocabulary
Liens externes & ressources
Références
Œuvres
Record de 91 buts en une année civile
2012
Triplé Ligue des champions–Liga–Coupe d'Espagne
2009
Huit Ballons d'or
2009-2023
Victoire à la Copa América
2021
Victoire à la Coupe du monde
2022
Meilleur buteur de l'histoire du FC Barcelone
2004-2021
Meilleur buteur de l'histoire de la sélection argentine
2005-présent






