Lionel Messi, born June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, known for his prolific goal-scoring, playmaking, and dribbling skills.[1][2] He has scored over 890 senior career goals and provided more than 400 assists, holding records as Barcelona's all-time top scorer (672 goals), La Liga's leading scorer (474 goals), and Argentina's national team record holder.[2][3][4] Messi debuted for FC Barcelona's first team in 2004 at age 17, becoming the youngest La Liga goal scorer at the time, and rose to prominence by helping the club achieve the first Spanish treble in 2008-09.[1][2] Over 17 years with Barcelona, he won a club-record 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Reys, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles, while earning a record eight Ballon d'Or awards (2009-2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023).[1][2][3][5] He set numerous records, such as 91 goals in 2012 (Guinness World Record) and most Champions League goals for a single club.[3][4][5] Financial issues forced his departure from Barcelona in 2021, leading to a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, where he won two Ligue 1 titles.[1][2][4] In July 2023, Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, transforming the club by leading them to their first MLS Cup in 2025 and securing back-to-back MVP awards in 2024 and 2025.[1][2] Internationally, after early struggles, Messi captained Argentina to end a 28-year trophy drought with the 2021 Copa América (Golden Ball winner), followed by the 2022 FIFA World Cup victory (Golden Ball) and a record 16th Copa América title in 2024.[1][2][4] These feats cemented his legacy as Argentina's most decorated player and a global icon.[5] As of 2026, at age 38, he remains active and influential in MLS and with Argentina.[1][2]