How old is Lionel Messi?

KANSAS CITY, UNITED STATES - JUNE 16: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after completing a hat-trick during the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Stadium) in Kansas City, Missouri, United States on June 16, 2026. (Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi is impressing at a World Cup once again (Image credit: Getty Images)

Lionel Messi turned 39 this summer, but shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to impress in the twilight of his career.

Currently playing at his sixth World Cup, having made his tournament debut back in 2006, he could be on course to win it back-to-back, while also potentially claiming the golden boot.

And that's barely even the tip of the iceberg of Messi's astonishing career, in which he has shone both at club and international level.

Play our FREE match predictor and win £1k 

Messi has won 46 trophies during a glittering career

Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola (R) talks with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi during the Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Jerez on April 24, 2010 at Camp Nou stadium.

Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona with Pep Guardiola (Image credit: Getty Images)

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina on June 24, 1987.

After starting out at Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, he moved to Barcelona aged 14 after his father convinced then first-team director Carles Rexach to write a contract on a napkin.

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a goal during their UEFA Champions League football match against Apeol at the Neo GSP Stadium in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia, on November 25, 2014.

Lionel Messi spent 21 years at Barcelona altogether (Image credit: SAKIS SAVVIDES / AFP via Getty Images)

It would prove to be an inspired move, with Messi staying at the Catalan giants for 21 years in total, becoming their all-time top goalscorer, winning 10 La Liga trophies, seven Copa del Rey, seven Supercopa de Espana, four Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups and three club world cups.

He finally left the Camp Nou in 2021, when he joined French giants PSG, where he claimed three trophies, including two league titles and a Trophee des Champions.

However, after two seasons, he moved again to Inter Miami where he has guided them to an MLS Cup, a Supporters' Shield and a Leagues Cup, scoring 90 goals and providing 51 assists in 104 matches.

In his later years, it has been his international exploits that have made headlines more than his club football.

In the last five years, he has picked up four international trophies, including the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Americas and a Finalissima, although some people don't count the latter as a particularly noteworthy cup.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi currently plays club football at Inter Miami (Image credit: Getty Images)

As an individual he is the most decorated player of all time and has won the Ballon D'or a record eight times, including four years in a row from 2009-2021.

He could claim a second World Cup this summer, with Argentina in the quarter finals of the 2026 North American tournament.

He's currently the top scorer too, with eight goals from five games.

Ryan Gray
Freelance Writer

Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.