Lionel Messi, one of the greatest football players of all time, has had an illustrious career. Here's a detailed overview:
### Early Career and FC Barcelona
**Youth Career:**
- Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.
- Joined Newell's Old Boys at a young age.
- Moved to Barcelona at 13 after being diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, with the club agreeing to pay for his treatment.
**FC Barcelona (2000-2021):**
- **2000-2003:** Joined La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy.
- **2004-2005:** Made his first-team debut at 17 in October 2004.
- **2005-2006:** Became a regular starter; won his first Champions League title.
- **2008-2009:** Played a crucial role in Barcelona's historic treble, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
- **2009-2012:** Won consecutive Ballon d'Or awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012).
- **2014-2015:** Part of the team that won another treble under Luis Enrique.
- **2019-2020:** Won his 6th Ballon d'Or in 2019.
- **2020-2021:** Despite ongoing challenges, continued to deliver outstanding performances.
### Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023)
- **2021-2022:** Joined PSG in August 2021 on a two-year contract after financial constraints prevented Barcelona from renewing his contract.
- **2022-2023:** Continued to perform at a high level, winning the Ligue 1 title and contributing significantly in domestic and international competitions.
### Inter Miami CF (2023-Present)
- **2023:** Joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His arrival sparked a surge of interest in soccer in the United States.
### International Career with Argentina
- **2005:** Made his senior debut in August.
- **2008:** Won an Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
- **2014:** Led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup final, narrowly losing to Germany.
- **2015-2016:** Reached the Copa América finals but finished as runners-up.
- **2021:** Won the Copa América, his first major international trophy, defeating Brazil in the final.
- **2022:** Captured the FIFA World Cup, leading Argentina to victory in Qatar.
### Honors and Achievements
- **Ballon d'Or:** 7 times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021).
- **Champions League Titles:** 4 (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015).
- **La Liga Titles:** 10 with Barcelona.
- **Copa del Rey Titles:** 7 with Barcelona.
- **FIFA World Cup:** 2022 with Argentina.
- **Copa América:** 2021 with Argentina.
- **UEFA Best Player in Europe Award:** 2 times (2011, 2015).
### Playing Style and Legacy
- Known for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability.
- Holds numerous records, including the most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012).
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, often compared with Pelé and Diego Maradona.
- Praised for his sportsmanship and dedication to the game.
### Personal Life
- Married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart, with three children.
- Involved in various charitable activities, including the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to education and health for vulnerable children.
Lionel Messi's career is a testament to his talent, hard work, and consistency, making him a true icon in the world of football.
