On October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi stepped onto the field at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium for the final appearance of his Argentina career. The occasion marked the end of an international journey that had lasted more than two decades, produced a World Cup championship, and transformed his relationship with Argentine football.
At 39, Messi was saying goodbye to international football, not to the sport itself.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains an Inter Miami player, continuing a professional career that began at Barcelona and subsequently took him to Paris Saint-Germain and Major League Soccer.
His story stretches from a childhood in Rosario to European football records, international triumphs, and an extraordinary 2026 World Cup campaign. Alongside those achievements, Messi has built a family life with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and a substantial business portfolio.
Who Is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi, whose full name is Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. Born on June 24, 1987, he is 39 years old as of November 2026. He is best known for winning eight Ballon d’Or awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
Messi retired from international football in 2026 but continues playing professionally for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi Biography and Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini |
| Popular name | Lionel Messi / Leo Messi |
| Date of birth | June 24, 1987 |
| Age | 39 years old |
| Birthplace | Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Height | 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) |
| Playing position | Forward / attacking playmaker |
| Preferred foot | Left |
| Current club | Inter Miami CF |
| Jersey number | 10 |
| Former clubs | FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain |
| Wife | Antonela Roccuzzo |
| Marriage date | June 30, 2017 |
| Children | Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro |
| Father | Jorge Horacio Messi |
| Mother | Celia María Cuccittini |
| Ballon d’Or awards | 8 |
| UEFA Champions League titles | 4 |
| FIFA World Cup titles | 1 (2022) |
| Copa América titles | 2 (2021, 2024) |
| 2026 World Cup goals | 8 |
| Career World Cup goals | 21 |
| International retirement | 2026 |
| Inter Miami contract | Through the 2028 MLS season |
| Estimated 2026 annual earnings | $145 million (Forbes) |
| Estimated net worth | $1.1 billion (Forbes, November 2026) |
How Old Is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi is 39 years old as of November 5, 2026. He was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.
He celebrated his 39th birthday during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will turn 40 on June 24, 2027.
Messi’s age is particularly notable because he continued performing at an elite international level into his late 30s. At the 2026 World Cup, he scored eight goals and helped Argentina reach another final.
His longevity reflects a career that evolved considerably from the physically explosive young Barcelona winger of the 2000s.
What Is Lionel Messi’s Real Name?
His full name is Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini.
He is commonly called Leo Messi, while his surname alone has become one of the most recognizable names in international sport.
Messi was born and raised in Rosario, a major city in Argentina’s Santa Fe province.
Lionel Messi’s Early Life and Childhood
Lionel Messi grew up in Rosario in a family with strong connections to football.
His father, Jorge Horacio Messi, worked in the manufacturing industry, while his mother, Celia María Cuccittini, worked in the service sector. Messi grew up with his brothers Rodrigo and Matías and his sister María Sol.
Football became central to his childhood at an early age.
He initially played in local youth football before joining Newell’s Old Boys, a well-established Argentine club known for developing young players.
Even as a child, Messi attracted attention for his extraordinary close control, quick changes of direction, and ability to move through crowded areas with the ball.
His Childhood Growth Hormone Deficiency
Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency during childhood.
The condition affected his physical development and required specialized medical treatment.
His family’s circumstances and the cost of that treatment became important considerations as his football career developed.
Barcelona eventually offered Messi an opportunity to join its academy and helped make the move to Spain possible.
His childhood medical condition is part of his biography, but it should not be confused with any claim about his current health.
Moving to Barcelona at Age 13
In 2000, Messi moved to Spain at age 13 to enter Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.
Moving from Rosario to Barcelona meant adapting to a different country, football culture, and training environment.
At La Masia, Messi developed within a system that emphasized intelligent positioning, technical passing, close control, and coordinated attacking movement.
These qualities would become central to his professional playing style.
Lionel Messi’s Barcelona Career (2004–2021)
Barcelona was the club where Lionel Messi developed from a gifted academy player into one of football’s most accomplished professionals.
His years in Catalonia produced extraordinary individual statistics and numerous domestic and European trophies.
Barcelona First-Team Debut
Messi made his official competitive debut for Barcelona’s senior team against Espanyol on October 16, 2004.
He was 17 years old.
During his early first-team appearances, Messi operated largely as an attacking winger. His acceleration, low center of gravity, and left-footed dribbling made him difficult for defenders to contain.
He gradually established himself alongside experienced Barcelona players, becoming an increasingly important part of the team’s attack.
The Pep Guardiola Era
The appointment of Pep Guardiola as Barcelona manager in 2008 marked another important stage in Messi’s development.
Under Guardiola, Barcelona became widely recognized for its possession-based approach, coordinated movement, and ability to control matches through passing.
Messi’s role also changed.
Instead of remaining exclusively on the wing, he frequently moved into central attacking positions, including the false-nine role.
This movement created problems for opposing defenders because Messi could drop into midfield, receive the ball between defensive lines, and either create opportunities or attack the penalty area himself.
His understanding with Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta became an essential element of Barcelona’s success.
Messi’s Historic 91-Goal Year
One of Messi’s most remarkable individual achievements occurred in 2012.
He scored 91 goals across club and international football during the calendar year, establishing a world record.
This total combined goals in different competitions and should not be confused with goals scored during a single league season.
His achievement demonstrated remarkable consistency across domestic, European, and international matches.
Lionel Messi’s Barcelona Statistics
According to FC Barcelona’s official historical records:
| Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| Official appearances | 778 |
| Goals | 672 |
| La Liga titles | 10 |
| UEFA Champions League titles | 4 |
| Copa del Rey titles | 7 |
| Total Barcelona trophies | 35 |
Messi remains Barcelona’s historical leading goalscorer.
His 672 goals in 778 official appearances illustrate both the volume and consistency of his attacking contributions.
His importance was not limited to scoring. Messi frequently created chances through combinations, through balls, and movement that opened space for teammates.
Why Did Lionel Messi Leave Barcelona?
Messi left Barcelona in August 2021.
His departure followed serious financial and player-registration difficulties at the club.
Although both Messi and Barcelona had expressed interest in continuing their relationship, the club could not complete a new contract under the applicable financial regulations.
His departure ended a professional association that had begun when he was a teenager.
For many Barcelona supporters, it represented the closing of an era defined by domestic success, Champions League victories, and Messi’s individual records.
Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
Following his departure from Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021.
The transfer placed him in an attacking squad that included Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
His adjustment to French football was not identical to his Barcelona experience. PSG operated within a different tactical structure, while Messi was adapting to a new club after spending almost his entire professional career in Spain.
During his two seasons in Paris, he contributed goals and assists and helped PSG win two Ligue 1 championships.
Messi’s passing, vision, and creative movement remained important parts of his game.
However, his PSG period also demonstrated how difficult it can be for a player closely associated with one team’s identity to recreate the same circumstances elsewhere.
He left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, opening the next chapter of his career in the United States.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Career
Messi joined Inter Miami CF in July 2023, bringing international attention to Major League Soccer.
His arrival represented more than a high-profile player transfer.
It connected one of football’s most recognizable figures with a growing American soccer market and introduced new audiences to MLS.
Joining Inter Miami in 2023
Messi quickly made an impact after arriving in South Florida.
He helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s history.
His performances included important goals, creative passing, and the ability to influence matches in decisive moments.
His former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also joined the club, creating familiar connections within Inter Miami’s squad.
Inter Miami’s Success in 2024 and 2025
The following seasons brought further achievements.
In 2024, Messi helped Inter Miami win the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record.
He also received the MLS Most Valuable Player award.
His 2025 season was particularly productive.
Messi scored 29 regular-season league goals and provided 19 assists, earning the MLS Golden Boot.
He helped Inter Miami win the 2025 MLS Cup and received another MLS MVP award, becoming the first player in league history to win the honor in consecutive seasons.
These achievements demonstrated that his influence remained substantial even after leaving European club football.
Messi Reaches 100 Goals for Inter Miami
On September 16, 2026, Messi reached another significant milestone.
He scored against Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup, becoming the first player in Inter Miami history to reach 100 goals across all competitions.
According to the club, he achieved the milestone in 115 appearances.
It reflected how quickly he had established himself as a central figure in Inter Miami’s development.
Lionel Messi’s 2026 MLS Statistics
As of November 2, 2026, Inter Miami reported the following regular-season figures:
| Statistic | 2026 Record |
|---|---|
| MLS appearances | 30 |
| MLS goals | 26 |
| MLS assists | 16 |
| MLS Team of the Matchday selections | 13 |
Messi remained in contention for the 2026 MLS Golden Boot heading into the final regular-season matches.
As of November 5, the award had not yet been decided, with MLS Decision Day scheduled for November 7.
His continued productivity illustrates how effectively he has adapted his game while approaching 40.
How Long Is Messi’s Inter Miami Contract?
Inter Miami announced a contract extension in October 2025 keeping Messi at the club through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
The agreement means Messi remains committed to professional club football beyond his retirement from Argentina’s national team.
It does not establish a confirmed date for his eventual retirement from all competitive football.
Lionel Messi’s International Career With Argentina
Messi made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2005.
His international career became one of football’s most closely followed stories, partly because extraordinary individual talent did not immediately translate into major senior international trophies.
He represented Argentina through several generations of teammates and coaching changes.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup
At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Messi helped Argentina reach the final against Germany.
Argentina lost 1–0 after extra time.
Messi received the tournament’s Golden Ball award, recognizing his overall performances.
Despite reaching the final, the defeat meant that his first World Cup championship remained out of reach.
Winning Copa América in 2021
In 2021, Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The victory gave Messi his first major senior international title.
It was a particularly significant achievement after previous Copa América final defeats.
The success also marked the beginning of an important sequence of trophies for Argentina under manager Lionel Scaloni.
The Historic 2022 FIFA World Cup
Messi’s international career reached its most celebrated moment at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina progressed to the final against France in one of the most dramatic championship matches in the competition’s history.
Messi scored twice in the final, which ended 3–3 after extra time.
Argentina won the penalty shootout to claim its third World Cup title.
Messi also received the tournament’s Golden Ball award.
The championship completed a major achievement that had eluded him for much of his career.
Copa América 2024
Argentina successfully defended its Copa América title in 2024, defeating Colombia in the final.
Messi was part of a squad that had developed considerable experience playing together under Lionel Scaloni.
The victory gave him his second Copa América championship and extended Argentina’s successful international period.
Lionel Messi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
At 39, Messi participated in his sixth FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The tournament was hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, bringing another major international competition to North America.
Messi delivered an exceptional individual performance.
He scored eight goals during Argentina’s run to the final, beginning with a hat trick against Algeria and adding two goals against Austria.
His performances demonstrated that intelligent movement, passing, and clinical finishing could remain effective even as his physical playing style evolved.
How Many Goals Did Messi Score at the 2026 World Cup?
Messi scored eight goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
That brought his career World Cup total to 21 goals across six tournament appearances.
He surpassed Miroslav Klose’s previous historical mark of 16 goals.
However, Kylian Mbappé also produced an extraordinary tournament and finished with 22 career World Cup goals, leaving Messi second on the all-time list.
Did Argentina Win the 2026 World Cup?
No. Argentina finished as runner-up.
Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The result denied Argentina a second consecutive World Cup championship.
Nevertheless, Messi’s eight-goal tournament became one of the most productive World Cup performances of his career.
It also provided a significant final chapter to his history with Argentina.
When Did Lionel Messi Retire From Argentina?
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026.
He subsequently played his final Argentina match on October 6, 2026, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The farewell ended a senior international career that had begun in 2005.
According to CONMEBOL, his final international record was:
| International Achievement | Record |
|---|---|
| Senior appearances | 208 |
| Goals | 126 |
| Assists | 68 |
| FIFA World Cup titles | 1 |
| Copa América titles | 2 |
| World Cups played | 6 |
His 126 international goals established him as Argentina’s leading men’s national-team goalscorer.
Importantly, Messi retired from Argentina’s national team, not from professional football.
He remains an Inter Miami player under a contract running through the 2028 MLS season.
Lionel Messi’s Playing Style and Football Intelligence
Messi’s playing style has changed considerably throughout his professional career.
During his early Barcelona years, he was especially dangerous when accelerating past defenders from wide attacking positions.
His close control allowed him to keep the ball unusually close to his feet, making it difficult for opponents to predict his next movement.
As his career progressed, his influence expanded beyond dribbling and finishing.
Messi increasingly operated as a central creator, combining short passes, through balls, and movement between defensive lines.
His left-footed finishing remained a defining strength, particularly when approaching goal from the right side.
He also became an accomplished free-kick taker.
At Inter Miami, his game has relied more heavily on positioning, anticipation, and decision-making than on repeating the explosive runs associated with his youth.
This tactical evolution helps explain his continued productivity into his late 30s.
Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Awards and Football Records
Lionel Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, more than any other men’s footballer in the award’s history.
His winning years were:
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Ballon d’Or |
| 2010 | Ballon d’Or |
| 2011 | Ballon d’Or |
| 2012 | Ballon d’Or |
| 2015 | Ballon d’Or |
| 2019 | Ballon d’Or |
| 2021 | Ballon d’Or |
| 2023 | Ballon d’Or |
These awards recognize exceptional individual performances across different stages of his career.
Messi finished fifth in the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or ranking, while Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane won the award.
Lionel Messi’s Most Important Records
His major records and achievements include:
- Eight Ballon d’Or awards.
- 672 official goals for FC Barcelona.
- 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year.
- Four UEFA Champions League titles.
- Ten Spanish league championships.
- The 2022 FIFA World Cup championship.
- Two Copa América titles.
- 21 career FIFA World Cup goals.
- 126 senior international goals for Argentina.
These accomplishments span different competitions and time periods. Their significance comes partly from Messi’s ability to maintain high performance standards over more than two decades.
Lionel Messi’s 2026 Princess of Asturias Award
On October 23, 2026, Messi received the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in Oviedo, Spain.
The recognition celebrated his sporting achievements and wider contribution to football.
The award also acknowledged qualities associated with sportsmanship, teamwork, and social responsibility.
Messi’s charitable activities, including work connected with children’s health and education, formed part of the broader recognition of his career.
Unlike a league championship or individual goalscoring trophy, the Princess of Asturias Award recognizes long-term contributions and accomplishments.
Lionel Messi’s Wife and Family
Messi has maintained a relatively private family life despite his enormous public profile.
He is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, whom he has known since childhood in Rosario.
Their relationship has been an important part of Messi’s personal life across his years in Spain, France, and the United States.
Who Is Lionel Messi’s Wife?
Lionel Messi’s wife is Antonela Roccuzzo.
The couple married on June 30, 2017, in Rosario, Argentina.
Their wedding attracted international attention because Messi was already one of the world’s most recognizable athletes.
Roccuzzo has also developed her own public profile through fashion, brand partnerships, and social media.
Although the family occasionally shares photographs and public appearances, they have generally kept many aspects of their private lives away from detailed media coverage.
How Many Children Does Lionel Messi Have?
Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo have three sons:
- Thiago Messi, born in 2012.
- Mateo Messi, born in 2015.
- Ciro Messi, born in 2018.
Messi has frequently spoken publicly about the importance of family in his life.
His children have sometimes attended matches and public celebrations, particularly during significant moments in his international and club careers.
Lionel Messi’s Parents and Siblings
Messi’s father is Jorge Horacio Messi, who has also been involved in managing aspects of his professional career.
His mother is Celia María Cuccittini.
Messi has two brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol.
His family’s support was especially important during his early development and move to Barcelona.
Lionel Messi’s Charity and Philanthropy
Beyond professional football, Messi has participated in various charitable initiatives.
The Leo Messi Foundation supports projects connected with children’s education, healthcare, and social opportunities.
Messi has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010.
These activities have connected his international public profile with organizations working to improve opportunities for children.
His charitable contributions should be distinguished from the total funding or spending of organizations associated with his name.
Lionel Messi’s Salary, Earnings, and Net Worth
Messi’s financial position reflects decades of professional contracts, commercial partnerships, endorsements, and investments.
However, salary, annual earnings, and personal net worth are different financial measures.
What Is Lionel Messi’s Net Worth in 2026?
According to Forbes, Lionel Messi’s estimated net worth was approximately $1.1 billion as of November 3, 2026.
This valuation places him among the wealthiest athletes in professional sports.
The figure is an estimate based on financial analysis rather than a publicly audited statement of his private assets and liabilities.
It reflects accumulated wealth from his playing career, commercial relationships, and other interests.
How Much Does Lionel Messi Earn?
Forbes’ October 2026 ranking estimated Messi’s annual earnings at approximately $145 million.
| Earnings Category | Forbes Estimate |
|---|---|
| On-field earnings | $70 million |
| Off-field earnings | $75 million |
| Combined annual earnings | $145 million |
The on-field category includes estimated compensation connected with his professional football career.
Off-field earnings include sponsorships, licensing, commercial agreements, and certain business income.
These figures represent estimated earnings before taxes and agents’ fees.
They are not equivalent to the amount Messi personally receives in cash after every expense.
Messi’s Sponsorships and Business Interests
Messi has maintained commercial relationships with major international companies, including Adidas, Apple-related business partnerships, and Mastercard.
His profile in global football makes him valuable to businesses seeking international visibility.
He has also developed interests connected with property, hospitality, sports, and other investments.
Forbes has reported that his Inter Miami agreement includes an option to acquire an ownership stake after his retirement.
An option to acquire equity is not the same as already owning that equity.
Likewise, the estimated value of a business connected with Messi should not automatically be treated as personal cash or income.
Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo: A Historic Football Rivalry
Few individual rivalries have influenced modern football as strongly as the competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Their rivalry became particularly prominent when Messi played for Barcelona and Ronaldo represented Real Madrid.
Both were central figures in La Liga title races, Champions League campaigns, and individual award competitions.
Yet their playing styles were different.
Messi became especially associated with close control, creative passing, left-footed finishing, and movement through central attacking areas.
Ronaldo developed from an explosive winger into a prolific goalscorer, known for his movement, aerial ability, and finishing from different positions.
Their careers also took different geographical paths.
Messi moved from Barcelona to PSG and Inter Miami, while Ronaldo played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr.
For a closer examination of the Portuguese star’s achievements, read our Cristiano Ronaldo biography, covering his career, records, family, and financial profile.
The importance of their rivalry does not require declaring one player objectively superior. Both helped establish extraordinary standards for individual performances in football.
Lionel Messi’s Career Timeline
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Born in Rosario, Argentina |
| 2000 | Joins Barcelona’s youth academy |
| 2004 | Makes official Barcelona first-team debut |
| 2008 | Wins Olympic gold with Argentina |
| 2009 | Wins first Ballon d’Or |
| 2012 | Scores 91 goals in one calendar year |
| 2014 | Reaches FIFA World Cup final |
| 2021 | Wins Copa América and joins PSG |
| 2022 | Wins FIFA World Cup with Argentina |
| 2023 | Joins Inter Miami and wins Leagues Cup |
| 2024 | Wins another Copa América and MLS MVP |
| 2025 | Wins MLS Cup, Golden Boot, and another MVP |
| July 2026 | Finishes World Cup as runner-up with eight goals |
| August 2026 | Announces international retirement |
| September 2026 | Reaches 100 Inter Miami goals |
| October 2026 | Plays final Argentina match |
| October 2026 | Receives Princess of Asturias Award |
Frequently Asked Questions About Lionel Messi
How old is Lionel Messi in 2026?
Lionel Messi is 39 years old. He was born on June 24, 1987, and will turn 40 on June 24, 2027.
What is Lionel Messi’s full name?
His full name is Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini.
Where was Lionel Messi born?
He was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
How tall is Lionel Messi?
Messi is 170 centimeters tall, approximately 5 feet 7 inches.
Who is Lionel Messi’s wife?
Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo. They married in Rosario on June 30, 2017.
How many children does Lionel Messi have?
He has three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
How many Ballon d’Or awards has Messi won?
Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
How many World Cups has Messi won?
Messi has won one FIFA World Cup, helping Argentina win the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
How many goals did Messi score in the 2026 World Cup?
He scored eight goals, helping Argentina finish as runner-up to Spain.
How many World Cup goals does Messi have?
Messi finished his World Cup career with 21 goals across six editions.
Has Lionel Messi retired from football?
Messi retired from Argentina’s national team in 2026 but continues playing professional club football for Inter Miami.
When did Messi play his last match for Argentina?
His final Argentina appearance took place on October 6, 2026, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Which club does Lionel Messi play for?
Messi plays for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.
When does Messi’s Inter Miami contract expire?
His current contract runs through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
What is Lionel Messi’s net worth?
Forbes estimated Messi’s net worth at approximately $1.1 billion as of November 2026.
How much does Lionel Messi earn annually?
Forbes estimated his 2026 earnings at approximately $145 million, combining $70 million in on-field income and $75 million in off-field income.
Is Lionel Messi a billionaire?
Yes. Forbes estimated Messi’s personal net worth at $1.1 billion in 2026, although the figure is an estimate rather than an independently audited valuation.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s career began in Rosario, developed at Barcelona, and eventually carried him to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Along the way, he established historic goalscoring records, won eight Ballon d’Or awards, and led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup championship.
His eight goals at the 2026 World Cup demonstrated that his influence remained considerable at 39, even as his international career approached its conclusion.
Messi’s October 2026 farewell to Argentina marked the end of one extraordinary chapter, but his continuing Inter Miami career shows that his professional story is not yet finished.
What distinguishes his longevity is not simply the number of years he has played, but how successfully his football has evolved throughout them.
Research updated: November 5, 2026. Current-season statistics and financial estimates may change after publication.
