Lionel Messi is a professional soccer player who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.

Messi began playing soccer at a young age and joined the youth team of Newell's Old Boys, a local club in his hometown, at the age of five. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which would have made it difficult for him to afford the treatment he needed. However, Messi's talent on the soccer field caught the attention of FC Barcelona, and the club agreed to pay for his treatment in exchange for his commitment to joining their youth academy when he was old enough.

Messi quickly rose through the ranks of the FC Barcelona academy and made his way up to the first team. He made his professional debut for the club in 2004 and has been a key player for them ever since. In his time with the club, Messi has won numerous individual awards, including the Ballon d'Or (awarded to the best soccer player in the world) a record six times. He has also helped lead FC Barcelona to numerous domestic and international titles, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

In addition to his club career, Messi has also been a key player for the Argentina national team. He has represented his country at four FIFA World Cups and has won numerous international titles, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (awarded to the best player at the tournament).

Throughout his career, Messi has consistently been considered one of the best soccer players in the world, and his exceptional dribbling, scoring, and playmaking abilities have made him a fan