Lionel Andrés Messi, Argentine footballer Biography, height, weight, Age , girlfriend, wife, children and family and many more

By Saumya Mishra

 Biography of Lionel Andrés Messi: Argentine Footballer and Global Icon

Lionel Andrés Messi, also known as Leo Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.

Lionel Andrés Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has transcended the sport with his remarkable talent, unparalleled achievements, and inspiring journey. From his humble beginnings in Argentina to becoming a global superstar, Messi's story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication.

Early Life and Family Background

Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, to Jorge Messi, a steel factory manager, and Celia Cuccittini, a magnet manufacturing worker. He has three siblings: two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol. His family supported his early love for football, with his grandmother being his biggest cheerleader.

Height, Weight, and Physical Stats

  • Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
  • Weight: 67 kg (148 lbs)
  • Eye Color: Brown
  • Hair Color: Dark Brown

Despite his relatively small stature, Messi's agility, speed, and precision make him a formidable force on the field.

Personal Life

Messi is known for his humble personality and close-knit family ties. He began dating Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart and cousin of his best friend, Lucas Scaglia, in 2008. The couple got married on June 30, 2017, in a lavish ceremony in Rosario, attended by many football legends.

They have three sons:

  1. Thiago Messi (born 2012)
  2. Mateo Messi (born 2015)
  3. Ciro Messi (born 2018)

Messi cherishes his role as a father and often shares heartwarming moments with his family on social media.

Professional Football Career

Messi's football journey began at the age of 5, playing for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father. At 8, he joined Newell's Old Boys, where he showcased extraordinary talent. However, at 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. His family could not afford the treatment, but a lifeline came when FC Barcelona offered to sponsor his medical expenses if he moved to Spain.

Messi joined La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy, in 2000. He made his first-team debut at just 17 in 2004, and the rest is history.

Key Achievements:

  1. FC Barcelona (2004–2021)

    • Scored 672 goals in 778 appearances.
    • Won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey trophies, and 4 UEFA Champions League titles.

  2. Paris Saint-Germain (2021–Present)

    • Continues to display his brilliance, adapting to a new league and environment.

  3. Argentina National Team

    • Captained Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, solidifying his legacy as a national hero.

  4. Awards and Records

    • 7 Ballon d’Or awards (as of 2023), the most by any player.
    • All-time leading scorer for FC Barcelona and Argentina.

Business Ventures and Net Worth

Messi has leveraged his global popularity into lucrative endorsements and business ventures. He has collaborated with brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Budweiser. Messi also launched his own clothing line and opened the Messi Store.

His estimated net worth is around $600 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.

Philanthropy

Messi founded the Leo Messi Foundation, focusing on access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children. He has also been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, supporting various global initiatives.

Lesser-Known Facts About Lionel Messi

  1. Messi has a tattoo of his mother’s face on his back as a tribute to her support.
  2. He is extremely shy and reserved off the pitch.
  3. Messi holds dual citizenship: Argentine and Spanish.
  4. His favorite dish is Milanesa Napolitana, a traditional Argentine delicacy.
  5. He scored his first goal for Barcelona at 17, assisted by Ronaldinho.

Legacy

Lionel Messi’s incredible journey from a boy with health challenges to a footballing legend inspires millions worldwide. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level while remaining grounded makes him a true icon both on and off the field.

Messi’s story is not just about football; it’s about perseverance, family support, and achieving greatness against all odds. He continues to inspire young athletes to dream big and work hard.


More Lesser-Known and Interesting Facts About Lionel Andrés Messi

  1. A Contract on a Napkin
    Messi’s first contract with FC Barcelona was written on a napkin. When Carles Rexach, a Barcelona executive, saw Messi's talent, he wanted to seal the deal immediately and used a napkin to draft the agreement.

  2. Nicknamed "La Pulga" (The Flea)
    Due to his short stature and incredible agility, Messi earned the nickname "La Pulga," which has become synonymous with his legendary footballing prowess.

  3. Family-Oriented Lifestyle
    Despite his global fame, Messi is a devoted family man. He prefers spending time with his wife and children over attending glamorous events or parties.

  4. Natural Right-Handed but Left-Footed Player
    Messi is naturally right-handed, but his left foot is what has made him one of the most iconic footballers. His left foot is considered one of the best in the history of football.

  5. Phobia of Needles
    Ironically, despite undergoing numerous injections for his growth hormone treatment as a child, Messi has a well-known fear of needles.

  6. A Love for Video Games
    Messi is an avid gamer and often plays FIFA and other video games with his teammates or brothers during his free time.

  7. Set a Guinness World Record
    Messi holds the Guinness World Record for the most goals scored in a calendar year (91 goals in 2012). This feat solidified his status as an unstoppable force in football.

  8. Struggled with Homesickness
    When Messi moved to Spain at 13, he struggled with homesickness, missing his family and friends in Rosario. This emotional challenge fueled his determination to succeed.

  9. Close Bond with Neymar and Suárez
    Messi formed a close friendship with Neymar and Luis Suárez during their time together at FC Barcelona, calling their trio "MSN." They were among the most lethal attacking forces in football history.

  10. Refused a Higher Salary Offer to Stay Loyal
    Messi turned down lucrative offers from other clubs multiple times during his career because of his loyalty to FC Barcelona.

  11. First Job Was Collecting Used Cups
    As a boy, Messi helped his grandmother collect used cups at the local football club. He often credits her for his love of football.

  12. Humble Car Choice
    Unlike many footballers who own extravagant supercars, Messi is known to drive more modest vehicles like the Mini Cooper.

  13. Sleeps with His Ball
    As a child, Messi used to sleep with his football, showcasing his unwavering passion for the sport even at an early age.

  14. A Reserved Leader
    As a captain, Messi leads by example rather than being vocal. His actions on the pitch inspire his teammates more than words.

  15. Messi’s Lucky Food
    Before important matches, Messi often eats plain chicken and rice, a ritual he believes keeps him light and energized.

  16. Goal Celebration with Tributes
    His iconic two-finger point to the sky after scoring is a tribute to his late grandmother, who played a pivotal role in encouraging his football dreams.

  17. Rare Public Speaking
    Messi is famously reserved and avoids public speaking. However, his heartfelt speeches during celebrations and farewells often leave fans emotional.

  18. First Red Card
    Messi received his first-ever red card within 43 seconds of his debut for Argentina in 2005, an unexpected and shocking start to his international career.

  19. Dreamed of Being a Teacher
    If Messi hadn’t become a footballer, he mentioned he might have pursued a career as a physical education teacher.

  20. Owns a Hotel Chain
    Messi is the owner of the MiM Hotels chain, a luxury hospitality business operating in Spain and Andorra.

These additional facts paint a deeper picture of Lionel Messi as not just a footballing genius but also a humble and relatable individual with quirks, emotions, and a deep love for the sport and his family.


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