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Lionel Messi
The Argentine superstar, a record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion, still playing for Inter Miami
Active — Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers ever — a record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. He still plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, though he has retired from the national team.
Lionel Messi was born in 1987 in Argentina and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona. He spent the vast majority of his career at Barcelona, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer and winning a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.
In 2022 he achieved the one honour that had eluded him — winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, a triumph that cemented his status as a national hero and one of the sport's immortals.
After leaving Barcelona and a brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He continues to play there, though he has since retired from the Argentina national team. He remains one of the most famous athletes in the world.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1987, Argentina
- Ballon d'Or
- 8 (record)
- World Cup
- Winner 2022
- Club record
- Barcelona all-time top scorer
- Current club
- Inter Miami (MLS)
- International
- Retired from Argentina
- Legacy
- One of the greatest footballers ever
Sources
- Lionel Messi - Wikipedia — Wikipedia (2026-09-05)
- Messi sets up Miami goal in first game since Argentina retirement — Channel Africa (2026-09-05)
Related: cristiano ronaldo · ronaldo nazario