Lionel Messi, often regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, has lived a career filled with records, championships, and unforgettable moments. Born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s story is one of resilience, passion, and extraordinary talent.
In 2025, the football legend is still making headlines — not just on the field with Inter Miami CF but also with a brand-new Apple TV+ docuseries, “Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend.” The four-part series, premiering February 21, gives fans an intimate look at Messi’s road to winning Argentina’s first World Cup since 1986 and achieving his long-awaited dream.
Early Life and Rise in Rosario
Luis Lionel Andrés “Leo” Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. The youngest of four children, Messi began kicking a ball as soon as he could walk, often joining his brothers and neighborhood kids in pickup games.
By the age of eight, Messi joined the youth team of Newell’s Old Boys, where his dazzling dribbling and natural flair quickly stood out. However, his small stature became a concern. At just 11 years old, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that required expensive treatment — something his middle-class family struggled to afford.
A lifeline came when FC Barcelona offered to pay for his treatment if he moved to Spain and joined their world-famous youth academy, La Masia. At 13, Messi and his family took a leap of faith, relocating to Barcelona to chase his football dream.
Club Career: Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami
Barcelona (2000–2021)
Messi made his senior debut for FC Barcelona at just 16. By May 2005, he became the youngest player to score for the club. Over 17 seasons, he went on to transform Barcelona into a global powerhouse, guiding them to 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Reys, and 4 Champions League trophies.
His peak years were full of record-breaking moments. In 2012, Messi scored 91 goals in a single calendar year, surpassing Gerd Müller’s long-standing record. That same era saw him collect four consecutive Ballon d’Or awards, cementing his status as a football icon.
Despite his incredible success, financial struggles at Barcelona forced a heartbreaking exit in 2021. An emotional Messi bid farewell, saying: “I’m not ready for this, after so many years, my whole life here. It’s really difficult.”
Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
In August 2021, Messi signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), reuniting with Neymar and joining Kylian Mbappé. While he helped PSG win two Ligue 1 titles, the club fell short in the Champions League. Messi’s final game for PSG came in June 2023 before his departure as a free agent.
Inter Miami (2023–Present)
In July 2023, Messi made a groundbreaking move to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS). His arrival instantly boosted the league’s popularity, ticket sales, and global reach. Within weeks, he led the team to win the Leagues Cup, scoring 11 goals in 14 matches.
Inter Miami’s 2024 season begins on February 21, coinciding with the Apple TV+ release of his new World Cup documentary.
International Career with Argentina
Messi’s relationship with the Argentina national team has been a rollercoaster. After early struggles and heartbreaking defeats in major finals, criticism mounted that he could not deliver for his country.
That narrative changed dramatically in recent years:
- Copa América 2021 – Argentina defeated Brazil in the final, giving Messi his first major international trophy.
- FIFA World Cup 2022 – Messi led Argentina to victory in Qatar, scoring twice in the final against France and lifting the trophy that had eluded him for so long. He was also named tournament MVP.
This triumph was seen as the ultimate crowning moment in Messi’s career, solidifying his legacy alongside Diego Maradona.
Awards and Records
Messi’s career is decorated with achievements few can match:
- 8 Ballon d’Or awards (most in history)
- 6 Golden Shoes (Europe’s top scorer)
- World Cup Golden Ball (2022)
- Olympic Gold Medal (2008)
- More than 800 career goals across club and country
In 2023, Time Magazine named him Athlete of the Year, highlighting his impact on the sport globally and in the United States.
Off the Pitch: Family, Charity, and Challenges
Messi is married to Antonella Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart. The couple wed in 2017 and share three children: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Despite being private, Messi is actively involved in philanthropy. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, he supports healthcare, education, and youth opportunities worldwide. He also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
However, his career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2016, Messi and his father were convicted of tax fraud in Spain. They avoided prison due to suspended sentences but were fined millions of euros.
New Apple TV+ Docuseries
Apple TV+ continues its collaboration with Messi following Messi Meets America (2023). The upcoming series, “Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend,” will provide unprecedented behind-the-scenes footage of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup run, featuring exclusive interviews with Messi himself.
For fans, it’s a chance to see not just the athlete but the man behind the glory.
Inspirational Quotes by Messi
- “I made sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. Everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream.”
- “I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I’m not enjoying it, I will leave football.”
- “Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits and get on with trying to win.”
