FOOTBALL LEGEND
THE GOAT OF FOOTBALL LIONEL MESSI
1. LIONEL MESSI
January 2022, Lionel Messi has not won a FIFA World Cup with the Argentina national team. However, he did lead Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa America, which is the oldest international continental football competition in the world, held in South America.
Messi had come close to winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, reaching the final in 2014, but Argentina lost to Germany in the championship match. Despite his numerous achievements at the club level with FC Barcelona, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles and numerous domestic league titles, winning a major international trophy with his national team had eluded him until the 2021 Copa America.
The 2021 Copa America victory was a historic moment for Messi and the Argentine national team, as it ended a 28-year trophy drought for Argentina in major international competitions. Messi played a crucial role throughout the tournament, scoring goals and providing assists, and was named the tournament's best player as Argentina clinched the title by defeating Brazil in the final.
While Messi's legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time was already firmly established, winning the Copa America added another significant achievement to his illustrious career.
LIONEL ANDRES MESSI
Lionel Messi, often considered one of the greatest football (soccer) players of all time, was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He began his career at a young age with the youth team of his local club, Newell's Old Boys. At the age of 13, he moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona's famed youth academy, La Masia.
Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona at the age of 17 in 2004. Since then, he has enjoyed an illustrious career with the club, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles. He has also won the Ballon'd'Or award, given to the world's best player, multiple times.
Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability, Messi has set numerous records throughout his career. He holds the record for the most goals scored in a calendar year (91), and he is Barcelona's all-time leading goal scorer.
In August 2021, Messi left Barcelona due to financial and contractual issues, and he signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a two-year contract. His move to PSG marked a significant shift in his career after spending over two decades at Barcelona.
On the international stage, Messi has represented Argentina in multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments and Copa America competitions. Despite facing criticism for not winning a major international trophy with Argentina earlier in his career, he finally achieved this feat by winning the Copa America in 2021, which was held in Brazil.
Off the field, Messi is known for his philanthropy work and humble demeanor. He has been involved in various charitable activities, including his own foundation, which focuses on providing access to education and healthcare for children.
Overall, Lionel Messi's impact on the world of football is immense, and his talent and achievements have solidified his place as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.