Lionel Messi News and Features

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the World Cup Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina (3) and France (3) (Argentina win 4-2 on penalties) at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Date of birth: June 24, 1987
Instagram: @leomessi
Club(s): Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
Country: Argentina
Signing fee: Academy

Considered by many one of the greatest players of all time, if not the greatest. The forward has racked up astonishing numbers season after glittering season. Messi averaged almost a goal a game for Barca, and one in two for his country. Lifting the 2022 World Cup completed the trophy set and added to 35 trophies with Barcelona, two Copa America's and six Ballon d'Ors. But the stats do not tell the full story of unmatched levels of skill, invention and dribbling ability.

Latest about Lionel Messi

Spain vs Argentina LIVE: Spain celebrate World Cup final triumph after Ferran Torres hits winner against ten-man Argentina

By James Andrew, Joe Donnohue, Kedar Bayley, Steven Chicken Last updated

The champions of Europe meet the champions of South America in New York/New Jersey

Competition

World Cup Golden Boot race: Who is the tournament's top scorer?

By Kedar Bayley, Steven Chicken, Matthew Ketchell, Chris Nee Last updated

The 2026 World Cup Golden Boot will be a major addition to anyone's resume, superstar or not – so who is currently leading the race?

Competition

Football quiz! Every player who scored 2+ goals at World Cup 2022

By Ewan Gennery Published

The 2022 World Cup saw the most goals ever, but how well do you remember the goalscorers?

Quiz

Thomas Tuchel’s team never had us dreaming, and at no point during this World Cup did it ever feel like it was ‘Coming Home’

By Matthew Ketchell Published

OPINION England never properly got going at World Cup 2026 with a semi-final feeling almost like an overachievement

OPINION
Jude Bellingham of England in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Who is Ismail Elfath? The referee for England vs Argentina

By Richard Buxton Last updated

England and Argentina will fight it out for a place in the World Cup final.

Person

England vs Argentina prediction: High-stakes grudge match promises to be game of the tournament

By Joe Donnohue Published

A place in the World Cup Final is what's at stake for England and Argentina this evening

Competition

How is the World Cup Golden Boot winner decided if two players score the same amount of goals?

By Ewan Gennery Published

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are both on the same amount of goals heading into the final stages of the World Cup

Competition
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates at World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi must show England exactly what they missed in World Cup last dance

By Richard Buxton Published

Argentina's Lionel Messi will finally face his greatest unknown against England

Player

World Cup 2026: Do goals in the third place play-off count towards the Golden Boot?

By Joe Donnohue Published

Could the unpopular World Cup third place play-off actually be quite important as far as the Golden Boot is concerned?

Player

The Ultimate FourFourTwo: Pick your best XI in football's classic formation

By Matthew Ketchell Published

Pick a 4-4-2 line-up from our 100 best football players of all time list and see how close to a perfect score you can get

Player
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