Lionel Andrés Messi, better known as Lionel Messi, is an Argentine professional footballer widely recognized as one of the sport's best players. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, here's a timeline of his life up until my most recent information update in September 2021:


Early Life and Career:

Messi showed an early interest and talent in football, playing for Rosario's local team Newell's Old Boys.

Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficit at a young age, which hampered his physical development. His family couldn't afford the necessary therapy in Argentina, so he came to Spain at the age of 13 to attend FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia.




FC Barcelona:

Messi's great talent was immediately apparent in Barcelona's youth levels, and he made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona at the age of 17 in 2004.

He established himself as a major member of the club, forging a fruitful partnership with players such as Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Iniesta. Messi's game is defined by his excellent dribbling abilities, close ball control, precision passing, and goal-scoring ability. Messi won numerous domestic and international honours with Barcelona over the years, including various La Liga crowns, UEFA Champions League trophies, and Copa del Rey trophies.




Individual Achievements:


Messi is one of the most decorated players in the world, having won many Ballon d'Or honors, which are given to the greatest player in the world. He established multiple records, including the most goals scored in a calendar year, the most goals scored in a single season of a top European league, and many more.





Later Years:

Despite his enormous success at Barcelona, Messi endured some difficulties, like as injuries and team transitions. Messi left FC Barcelona in August 2021 owing to financial restrictions and contractual concerns, after spending more than two decades there. He agreed to terms with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a two-year contract with a third-year option. Messi also plays for Argentina's national team and has competed in several FIFA World Cup and Copa America events. He guided Argentina to victory in the Copa America in 2021, his first major international title with the country.




Personal Life:

Messi is notorious for keeping his personal life quiet. He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, a longstanding girlfriend he met as a child in Rosario. They married in 2017, and they have three kids: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.

Messi has been described as humble and down-to-earth, focusing on his family and football career despite his celebrity and success.





Records and Achievements:

Messi has a long list of accomplishments. He has set records for the most goals scored in a variety of competitions, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His style of play has gained him accolades from fans, players, and coaches alike, and he is frequently compared to other football luminaries such as Pelé and Diego Maradona. Messi has several times won the European Golden Shoe award, which is presented to the top goal scorer in European leagues.




Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Era:

Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the French Ligue 1 after leaving FC Barcelona in 2021. His transfer to PSG drew a lot of attention and enthusiasm in the football world. Messi linked forces with other world-class players at PSG, including Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, to form a devastating attacking trio.





Continued International Career:

Messi's international career with Argentina has been fraught with ups and downs. While he was successful at the club level, he was chastised for failing to win a big international title with Argentina for many years. That changed in 2021, when Messi led Argentina to a Copa America victory, a watershed moment in his career in which he helped end Argentina's 28-year trophy drought.




Philanthropic Work:

Throughout his career, Messi has been active in a variety of charitable endeavors. In 2007, he launched the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports children's education and healthcare activities. He has been known to donate to philanthropic causes and to take part in social and humanitarian projects.




Legacy:

Lionel Messi's influence in football is undeniable. His exceptional abilities, consistency, and countless records have solidified his status as one of the greatest football players of all time. His impact extends beyond the field, as he has become a global hero and a source of inspiration for young footballers worldwide.




Financial Impact:

Messi has consistently been one of the world's highest-paid athletes. His revenues are supplemented by endorsement partnerships with major brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, and Huawei, among others. His move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 also came a lucrative contract, cementing his financial situation even further.




Style of Play and Attributes:

Messi is well-known for his dribbling prowess, close ball control, and quickness. Because of his low center of gravity and fast changes of direction, he is extremely tough to defend against. He can score goals as well as provide assists, making him a complete forward. His left foot is more dangerous, although he can also finish with his right foot.




Nickname "La Pulga" (The Flea):

Messi's nickname "La Pulga" (Spanish for "The Flea") refers to his diminutive stature and ability to move rapidly and unpredictably, much like a flea. Despite his diminutive stature as a player, his mobility and skill set him distinct.





Rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo:

Messi's career has been inextricably linked with the career of Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo. For more than a decade, the two players have been regarded rivals for the title of world's finest footballer. Their accomplishments and performances have generated discussions among fans and commentators regarding who is the better player. This rivalry has increased the enthusiasm and interest in the football world.




Autobiography:

Messi's autobiography, "Messi: My Story," was published in 2010 and co-written by journalist Leonardo Faccio. The book delves into his life, work, and experiences.





Media and Popularity:

Messi's fame transcends football arenas. He has appeared on the covers of countless periodicals and in documentaries and films about his life and career.




FC Barcelona's Icon:

Messi's exit from FC Barcelona in 2021 will signal the end of an era for the club. Over the years, he had become identified with the team's success and identity.
Please keep in mind that my expertise is limited to material available till September 2021. I recommend examining current sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Lionel Messi's life and career.