World Cup 2026 · Best player in World Cup 2026?

Lionel Messi

La Pulga from Rosario

Forward

Position

Inter Miami

Club

Argentina

Nation

Age

Biography

Born in Rosario, Argentina on 24 June 1987, Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at age 10. Barcelona agreed to pay for his treatment in exchange for joining their academy. The rest is history. Eight Ballon dOr awards, four Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles, and finally in 2022 the World Cup he had been chasing all his life. At 37 he continues to play professional football at Inter Miami, announcing he will retire after the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Lionel Messi

La Pulga from Rosario

Forward · Argentina

Trophies & Honours

🏆

FIFA World Cup

2022 · Argentina NT

🏆

Copa America x3

2021 & 2024 · Argentina NT

🏆

UEFA Champions League x4

2006-2015 · FC Barcelona

🏆

Ballon dOr x8

2009-2023 · Individual

🏆

La Liga x10

2005-2021 · FC Barcelona

The Venue

Inter Miami CF

MLS · USA

Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and immediately transformed MLS. He has announced the 2026 World Cup, played in the USA, will be his last tournament before retirement.

Career Stats

1020

Club Matches

840

Club Goals

0.82

Goals per Game

380

Club Assists

188

National Team Matches

112

National Team Goals

0.60

Goals per Game (NT)

35M EUR

Market Value

Career Timeline

2004

FC Barcelona

La Liga debut at 17 - youngest Barcelona scorer in La Liga history

2009

FC Barcelona

First Ballon dOr - won the treble with Barca, 38 goals

2012

FC Barcelona

World record 91 goals in a calendar year

2022

Argentina NT

World Cup winner in Qatar - the trophy he always wanted

2024

Argentina NT

Copa America winner - third Copa America title

2026

Argentina NT

World Cup 2026 - announced as his final tournament

Best Matches

World Cup Finalvs France3-3 AET 4-2 pens2022-12-18

Two goals, one assist, scored in the penalty shootout. The greatest World Cup final performance in history.

Champions League R16vs Bayer Leverkusen7-12012-03-07

Five goals. One of the greatest individual performances in Champions League history.

Champions League QFvs Arsenal4-12010-04-06

Four goals at the Emirates. Destroyed one of Englands best defences single-handedly.

Records & Milestones

★

All-time top scorer in Champions League history (129 goals)

★

All-time top scorer for Argentina (112 goals)

★

Most Ballon dOr awards ever (8)

★

Most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012)

★

Most La Liga goals ever (474)

★

Only player to win World Cup, Copa America, Champions League and Ballon dOr

Characteristics

The complete footballer. Messi dribbles with the ball glued to his left foot, changes direction at full speed, and finishes with either foot or his head. His vision and passing are as extraordinary as his goalscoring.

Strengths

✓Dribbling

✓Finishing

✓Vision

✓Free kicks

✓Leadership when it matters

Weaknesses

✕Aerial duels

✕Defensive contribution

✕Age (37)

Did You Know?

Barcelona agreed to pay for his growth hormone treatment when he was 10 in exchange for joining their academy. The treatment cost approximately 90,000 EUR.

He scored 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year - a world record that still stands. He averaged a goal per game across club and country.

In the 2022 World Cup final against France he scored twice in 90 minutes when Argentina were losing 2-1, then scored in extra time and in the penalty shootout.

He has won the Ballon dOr 8 times - more than double the next player (Ronaldo with 5). He first won it at 22 and last won it at 36.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, will be his final tournament. At 38 he will be the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup final if Argentina get there.

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