Lionel Messi helped lead Argentina to World Cup glory and cemented his legacy as one of soccer’s greatest players. Look back at his life in photos.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. The Argentine superstar has spent more than two decades dominating the sport, winning countless trophies and breaking records for both club and country.
In 2021, Messi captained Argentina to victory at the Copa América, ending the nation’s 28-year major trophy drought and securing his first senior international title. He followed that achievement by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping his country capture its first world championship since 1986. Messi later added another international trophy to his résumé when Argentina won the 2024 Copa América.
Before joining MLS club Inter Miami CF in 2023, Messi spent the majority of his legendary career with FC Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. He also played for Paris Saint-Germain F.C. from 2021 to 2023 before moving to Miami.
Born and raised in Argentina, Messi relocated to Spain at age 13 to join Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He made his first-team debut in 2004 at just 17 years old and quickly emerged as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Now Argentina’s all-time leader in appearances and goals, Messi entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champion captain and became the first men’s player to score 18 career World Cup goals, further cementing his place in soccer history.
Scroll through the gallery to see photos of Messi below.
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Lionel Messi & Antonella Roccuzo kissing
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Lionel Messi & Antonella Roccuzo share a kiss in a sweet moment on the soccer field. He was still in his uniform.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 2 of 21
Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzo with a dolphin
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Lionel Messi & Antonella Roccuzo smile while posing with a dolphin in water. It was a cute moment.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 3 of 21
Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzo holding hands
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Lionel Messi & Antonella Roccuzo hold hands while dressed to impress. He wore a gray suit and tie and she wore a hot pink and orange dress.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 4 of 21
Lionel Messi with a soccer ball
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Lionel Messi with a soccer ball. He was showing off his skills.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 5 of 21
Lionel Messi on a field
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Lionel Messi on a soccer field. He was kicking a soccer ball in his uniform.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM
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Lionel Messi with an award
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Lionel Messi poses with an award. He looked handsome in a tux.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 7 of 21
Lionel Messi walking
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Lionel Messi walks by photographers. He was holding a bag with wheels and had a backpack on his back.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 8 of 21
Lionel Messi in between two police officers
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Lionel Messi walks in between two police officers at an airport. He wore a red jacket and blue pants.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 9 of 21
Lionel Messi in a suit and tie
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Lionel Messi smiles while wearing a suit and tie. He posed for photographers.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 10 of 21
Lionel Messi walks by a crowd
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Lionel Messi walks by a crowd. He was wearing his soccer uniform.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 11 of 21
Lionel Messi with a trophy
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Lionel Messi holds up a trophy after a win. He looked as excited as could be.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 12 of 21
Lionel Messi in action
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Lionel Messi runs on the soccer field. He wore a black jacket and yellow shorts.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 13 of 21
Lionel Messi in yellow
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Lionel Messi shows off his yellow uniform. He was kicking the soccer ball at a game.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 14 of 21
Lionel Messi at a game
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Lionel Messi shows his skills in front of a crowd at a game. He looked focused!
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 15 of 21
Lionel Messi smiling
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Lionel Messi flashes a smile on the field. He looked ready to go!
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 16 of 21
Lionel Messi looks determined
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Lionel Messi runs toward the ball. He came to play!
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 17 of 21
Lionel Messi gives off a serious face
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Lionel Messi plays in the FC Barcelona v Arsenal, Spain game in Mar. 2016. He was all serious on the field.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 18 of 21
Lionel Messi kisses his wife
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Lionel Messi and his wife share a sweet kiss at a game. It helped show off their love.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 19 of 21
Lionel Messi
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Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona reacts during the Copa del Rey Semi-Final first leg match betweenReal Sociedad and Barcelona at Estadio Anoeta on February 12, 2014 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by http://wp.me/p26weL-8UFf Images)
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 20 of 21
Lionel Messi posing
Lionel Messi from Argentina poses with a soccer ball. It was one of his earlier pics as a soccer player.
July 11, 2021, 11:17AM 21 of 21
FIFA WORLD CUP
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Lionel Messi celebrates his country Argentina’s World Cup victory over France. His wife and three kids joined in on the party!
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