Lionel Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario,
Argentina, is a professional footballer who started playing at a young age. He
joined Newell's Old Boys youth academy in his hometown. At 13, he was
diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency and received treatment in Spain.
Consequently, he moved to Barcelona and joined the club's youth academy,
rapidly progressing into the first team.
Messi debuted for Barcelona in 2004 at 17 and soon
became a vital player. Throughout his career, he won numerous titles with the
club, including ten La Liga and four UEFA Champions League titles. He also
received various individual awards, such as a record six Ballon d'Or awards.
In addition to his club career, Messi represented
Argentina in international tournaments like the World Cup. Despite not securing
a major international trophy, he is considered one of Argentina's greatest
players.
In 2021, after spending his entire professional career
with Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and signed a three-year
contract. His debut for PSG was in September 2021.
Before PSG, Messi had an illustrious career with
Barcelona, winning numerous titles and awards. Widely regarded as one of the
best football players ever, his move to PSG attracted immense attention and
anticipation.
Since joining PSG, Messi has been integral to the
team's attack, regularly scoring and assisting. He contributed to several domestic
and international trophy wins, including Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League
titles. However, some critics argue he hasn't met expectations. Ultimately,
Messi's PSG journey's legacy depends on future successes and his on-field
performances.
Lionel Messi is often considered one of the greatest
footballers of all time. With numerous awards, including a record six Ballon
d'Ors, and multiple league titles and cups with both Barcelona and the
Argentine national team, he is often regarded as the GOAT. However, GOAT status
remains subjective, and opinions may vary.