Lionel Messi's Milestones
Birth
Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, to Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini.
Early football at Grandoli
Began playing football at local club Grandoli, coached by his father.
Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency
Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child.
Joined Newell's Old Boys
Joined Newell's Old Boys youth academy, scoring nearly 500 goals in six years.
Joined FC Barcelona
Joined FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, after moving to Spain for treatment.
Barcelona senior debut
Made his professional debut for FC Barcelona against Espanyol.
First senior goal
Scored his first senior goal for Barcelona against Albacete.
First Champions League win
Won his first UEFA Champions League title with Barcelona.
First Ballon d'Or
Won his first Ballon d'Or as the world's best footballer.
Argentina captain
Named captain of the Argentina national team.
Record goals in a year
Set a world record by scoring 91 goals in a calendar year.
World Cup finalist
Led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup final in Brazil; awarded Golden Ball.
Copa America finalist
Led Argentina to consecutive Copa América finals.
Copa America win
Won his first major international trophy with Argentina at Copa América.
Left Barcelona
Left FC Barcelona due to financial issues; ended 21-year association.
Joined Paris Saint-Germain
Signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and won Ligue 1 titles.
World Cup win
Won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers.
Joined Inter Miami
Signed with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, continuing his career in the United States.