Early Life
Messi joined the youth academy of FC Barcelona at 13, when the club agreed to pay for treatment of his growth hormone deficiency.
Career
He debuted for Barcelona's first team in 2004 and spent 17 seasons there, winning 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies and becoming the club's all-time top scorer. After leaving in 2021 he played for Paris Saint-Germain and then joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer in 2023.
Legacy
Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He has won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards.
Sources and further reading
Last updated: 2026-09-24