Lionel Andrés Messi, often known as Leo Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever.
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Messi plays as a forward for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and captains the Argentina national team.
Here, we have Lionel Messi’s net worth, salary, contract, career earnings, achievements, biography, wife, and more.
Lionel Messi’s Biography
| Personal Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Lionel Andrés Messi |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Rosario, Argentina |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Current Team | Inter Miami |
| Position(s) | Forward, attacking midfielder |
| Nationality | Argentinian |
| Spouse | Antonella Roccuzzo (2017-present) |
| Children | Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro |
| Awards | Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) |
| Career Highlights | Won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022, played for FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami |
| Instagram Handle | leomessi |
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
Messi’s football career began with Barcelona, where he spent his entire professional career until 2021.
Club Career
Lionel Messi began his professional career at FC Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2021.
During his time at Barcelona, Messi became the club’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals and won a club-record 34 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles.
He also won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and six European Golden Shoes during his time at Barcelona.
In 2021, Messi transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he played until 2023. After his stint at PSG, Messi moved to Major League Soccer in the United States, joining Inter Miami.
Throughout his club career, Messi has set numerous records, including the most goals by a player for a single club (672 for Barcelona), the most goals in La Liga (474), and the most hat-tricks in La Liga (36).
He is also the most decorated footballer of all time, having won a total of 44 collective trophies.
International Career
Messi debuted for Argentina on August 17, 2005, and has since made 180 appearances, scoring 106 goals, making him the country’s all-time top scorer.
Messi’s first major international success came in 2005 when he won the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
However, his first major honor with the senior team came later in his career.
After reaching three Copa America finals and one World Cup final and losing each time, Messi finally won his first major international trophy in 2021, leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America. He was the joint top scorer in the competition with four goals and five assists.
In 2022, Messi achieved another significant milestone in his international career by winning the FIFA World Cup. This victory cemented his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time (GOAT).
Messi finished the tournament with 7 goals and 3 assists. He was awarded the Golden Ball for the best player in the tournament.
Wife and Family
Messi’s lovely wife is Antonella Roccuzzo. The couple started dating in 2008 and made their relationship public the following year.
Messi’s sweetheart is also a Rosario native; he has known her since age 5.
The couple married on June 30, 2017. Antonella gave birth to Messi’s 3 sons: Thiago (2012), Mateo (2015), and Ciro (2018).
Lionel Messi’s Net Worth Details
Lionel Messi’s net worth is estimated to be $650 million as of 2025. His football contracts, endorsement deals, and investments have accumulated this wealth. This net worth places him among the highest-paid athletes in history.
Career Earnings
Messi’s career earnings are projected to reach an estimated $1.6 billion by 2025, including playing salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.
His total career earnings were estimated at $1.28 billion.
While at FC Barcelona, Messi earned a significant portion of his wealth. His 2017 contract with Barcelona gave him an average base annual salary of $168 million.
He also earned roughly $40 million per year from endorsements, which meant he was making around $200 million under that contract.
Messi’s journey to financial success began with his time at FC Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his career before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and later to Inter Miami. His contracts with these clubs have been highly lucrative. For instance, his contract with Paris Saint-Germain paid a salary of $75 million per year.
Upon joining Inter Miami, Messi signed a contract that is reported to be worth between $50 and $60 million per season.
| Season | Estimated Salary | Notable Events |
| 2023 | $12 million | Joined Inter Miami, total career earnings at $1.28 billion, second in Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes with reported earnings of $130 million |
| 2022 | $70 million | Played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), won the World Cup with Argentina |
| 2021 | $70 million | Moved from Barcelona to PSG, lifetime contract with Adidas |
| 2019 | $78 million | Last season with Barcelona |
| 2018 | $78 million | He played for Barcelona, and salary breakdown reveals he was making £336,000 before signing his new contract |
| 2017 | $165 million | Signed a contract with Barcelona with an average base annual salary of $168 million, making around $200 million per year with endorsements |
Inter Miami Contract and Salary
In 2023, Messi moved to Major League Soccer in the United States, joining Inter Miami. His agreement with Inter Miami is worth up to $150 million over two-and-a-half years.
Messi’s weekly salary at Inter Miami is $230,769.
Endorsement and Sponsorship
Messi also earns a significant income from endorsements. He has a lifetime partnership with Adidas and earns an estimated $65 million from endorsements and other business ventures.
His endorsement portfolio includes brands like Huawei, Gatorade, MasterCard, Lay’s, Pepsi, Hawkers, and Ooredoo.
Career Stats
| Career Statistic | Value |
| Total Appearances | 1,047 |
| Total Goals | 821 |
| Assists | 361 |
| Goals Per Game | 0.78 |
| Minutes Per Goal | 104.8 |
| Minutes Per Goal/Assist | 72.8 |
| Hat-tricks | 57 |
| Most Goals in La Liga | 474 |
| Most Hat-tricks in La Liga | 36 |
| Most Assists in La Liga | 192 |
| Most Hat-tricks in UEFA Champions League | 8 |
| Most Goals by a Player for a Single Club (FC Barcelona) | 672 |
Achievements and Records
Club Achievements
FC Barcelona
- La Liga titles: 10
- Copa del Rey titles: 7
- UEFA Champions League titles: 4
- FIFA Club World Cup titles: 3
- UEFA Super Cup titles: 3
- Supercopa de España titles: 8
Paris Saint-Germain
- Ligue 1 titles: 2
- French Super Cup titles: 1
Inter Miami
- Leagues Cup: 1
International Achievements with Argentina
- FIFA World Cup: 1 (2022)
- Copa América: 1 (2021)
- Olympic Gold Medal: 1 (Beijing 2008)
- U-20 World Cup: 1 (2005)
- Finalissima: 1 (2022)
Individual Awards and Honors
- Ballon d’Or: 8
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 1
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player: 3
- European Golden Shoe: 6
- Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: 2
- World Cup Golden Ball: 2
- UEFA Men’s Player of the Year: 2
- Copa America Most Valuable Player: 2
- Pichichi Trophy (La Liga top scorer): 8
- La Liga Player of the Year: 9
- Champions League top scorer: 6
- FIFA FIFPro World XI: Multiple inclusions
- Bravo Award: 1
- Golden Boy: 1
- Onze d’Or: 4
Records
- Most goals in La Liga: 474
- Most hat-tricks in La Liga: 36
- Most assists in La Liga: 192
- Most international goals by a South American male: 106
- Most goals by a player for a single club: 672 (with Barcelona)
- Most goals in a La Liga season: 50 (2011-12 season)
- Most goals for club and country in a calendar year (Guinness World Record): 91 (2012)
- Most goals in the UEFA Champions League with the same team: 120
- Most official recorded assists in football history: 357
- First and only player to win five and six European Golden Shoes
- Most goals in the Supercopa de España: 14
- Most goals in the UEFA Super Cup: 3
- Most Man of the Match awards in Joan Gamper Trophy: 4
- Most IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker awards: 5
- Most appearances in the IFFHS Men’s World Team: 7
- Most nominations for the FIFA Puskás Award: 7
- Most appearances in the FIFA/EA Sports FC Team of the Year: 16
FAQs
1. What are Lionel Messi’s most significant career achievements?
Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, ten La Liga titles, and seven Copa del Rey trophies with Barcelona. He led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2021 Copa América, and 2024 Copa América. Messi holds records for most goals in La Liga (474), most hat-tricks in La Liga (36), and most assists in La Liga (192).
2. How has Lionel Messi’s career progressed over the years?
Messi joined Barcelona’s youth academy at 13, made his first-team debut at 17 in 2004, and became the club’s all-time leading scorer. He moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, winning two Ligue 1 titles. As of 2025, Messi plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, continuing to make an impact at 37.
3. What makes Lionel Messi’s playing style unique?
Messi’s style is characterized by exceptional ball control, quick dribbling skills, and remarkable vision. His low center of gravity gives him greater agility and rapid direction changes. He’s known for precise finishing, positioning, and creating scoring opportunities. Messi is an accurate free-kick taker and skilled at scoring with clever chips.
4. How has Lionel Messi impacted the world beyond football?
Messi founded the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007, supporting education, healthcare, and sports programs for children worldwide. He’s been included in Time’s 100 most influential people list multiple times. In 2023, Messi was named Time’s Athlete of the Year, and in 2024, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
5. What records does Lionel Messi currently hold?
Messi holds records for most goals for a single club (672 for Barcelona), most goals (474) and assists (192) in La Liga, most European Golden Shoes (6), most appearances (191) and goals (112) by a South American male player, most matches played (39) and assists (18) in Copa América, and most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012).
6. How has Lionel Messi’s performance in international tournaments evolved?
Initially criticized for not replicating club success with Argentina, Messi led the team to three consecutive finals between 2014 and 2016. He achieved breakthrough success by winning the 2021 Copa América, 2022 FIFA World Cup (where he won the Golden Ball), and 2024 Copa América, cementing his legacy as one of Argentina’s greatest players.
7. What is known about Lionel Messi’s early life and career?
Born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at 11. He moved to Barcelona at 13, where the club covered his medical treatment. Messi progressed through Barcelona’s youth ranks, making his first-team debut at 17 in October 2004.
8. How does Lionel Messi compare to other football greats?
Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, often compared to legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona. His record eight Ballon d’Or awards, goal-scoring prowess, playmaking abilities, and consistency over nearly two decades set him apart. His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has defined an era in football.
9. What is Lionel Messi’s current focus in his career?
As of 2025, Messi plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, focusing on maintaining his performance level while preparing for his post-playing career. He’s shown interest in business ventures, listing a $232 million real estate portfolio on the Spanish stock exchange, and continues involvement with his charitable foundation.
10. How popular is Lionel Messi globally?
Messi’s popularity is immense worldwide. In 2023, he was the most Googled footballer globally, with 18.4 million monthly searches. As of 2025, he ranks 53rd among all people searched globally with over 1.6 million monthly searches. His move to Inter Miami in 2023 significantly boosted the club’s and MLS’s global profile.
