Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players ever.
His skills and achievements have amazed fans all over the world.
As he nears the end of his amazing career, Messi’s story remains inspiring.
Let’s dive into Messi’s retirement plans, career highlights, personal life, and more.
Lionel Messi: Career Highlights and Personal Life
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Plans | Inter Miami will be his last club, possibly continuing with Argentina. |
| Ballon d’Or Awards | 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) |
| Career Goals | 816 total: 672 (Barcelona), 32 (PSG), 9 (Inter Miami), 103 (Argentina) |
| Copa America Titles | 1 (2021) |
| Major Awards | Ballon d’Or (8), The Best FIFA Men’s Player (3), European Golden Shoe (6), World Cup Golden Ball (2) |
| Team Honors | FIFA World Cup (2022), Copa America (2021), UEFA Champions League (4), La Liga (10), Ligue 1 (2) |
| Career Stats | 715 goals, 308 assists (Club); 106 goals, 178 appearances (International) |
| Inter Miami Contract | Two-and-a-half years, ends in 2025, option to extend |
| Net Worth in 2024 | $600-650 million |
| Endorsements | Adidas, Pepsi, Budweiser, Mastercard, Gatorade, Huawei, Lays, Ooredoo, Hard Rock, Socios, Konami |
| Early Life | Born June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina; Joined Barcelona at age 13 |
| Family Members | Parents: Jorge and Celia; Wife: Antonela; Children: Thiago, Mateo, Ciro; Siblings: Rodrigo, Matias, Maria Sol |
Retirement and Future with Inter Miami
What did Lionel Messi say about retirement and his future with Inter Miami?
Messi has announced that Inter Miami will be the last club he plays for.
In an interview, he said, “Inter Miami will likely be my last club as a professional player.”
While he plans to retire with Inter Miami, he might still play for the Argentine national team.
He didn’t give details about his future in international soccer or if he’ll play in the 2026 World Cup.
“Inter Miami will be my last club. I’m happy here and looking forward to what’s next. But the national team? That door is always open,” Messi mentioned in an interview with ESPN.
Achievements and Awards
How many Ballon d’Or awards has Lionel Messi won?
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award a record eight times:
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2015
- 2019
- 2021
- 2023
This shows how great he is in the soccer world.
How many career goals has Lionel Messi scored?
As of August 2023, Messi has scored a total of 816 career goals. Here’s the breakdown:
- Barcelona: 672 goals
- Paris Saint-Germain: 32 goals
- Inter Miami: 9 goals
- Argentina: 103 goals
How many Copa America titles has Lionel Messi won?
Messi has won one Copa America title with Argentina.
In 2021, Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in the final.
This ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major trophy.
Before 2021, Messi reached the final three times (2007, 2015, 2016) but didn’t win.
After winning the Copa America, Messi emotionally said, “This is for my family, for those who have supported me and suffered with me. It’s an incredible moment,” as reported by BBC Sport.
Also Read: What other players, apart from Toni Kroos, are expected to retire after Euro 2024?
What awards has Lionel Messi won?
Messi has received many awards, including:
- Individual Awards:
- Ballon d’Or (8 times)
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player (3 times)
- European Golden Shoe (6 times)
- Laureus World Sports Award (2 times)
- World Cup Golden Ball (2 times)
- UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2 times)
- Copa America Most Valuable Player (2 times)
- Team Honors:
- FIFA World Cup (2022)
- Copa America (2021)
- UEFA Champions League (4 times)
- La Liga (10 times)
- Ligue 1 (2 times)
- Leagues Cup (2023 with Inter Miami)
Stats and Records
What are Lionel Messi’s stats?
Messi’s stats are amazing. Here are some key figures:
- Club Career Stats:
- Goals: 715
- Assists: 308
- Appearances: 867
- Hat-tricks: 48
- Goal Ratio: 0.82 goals per game
- International Career Stats:
- Goals: 106
- Appearances: 178
- Assists: 53
- Hat-tricks: 9
- Goal Ratio: 0.60 goals per game
- Overall Career Stats:
- Goals: 821
- Assists: 361
- Appearances: 1,045
- Hat-tricks: 57
- Goal Ratio: 0.79 goals per game
Contract and Financials
How long is Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami?
Messi signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Inter Miami, which lasts until the end of the 2025 MLS season.
The deal is worth up to $150 million, including a base salary of $12 million per year and total guaranteed compensation of around $20.4 million annually.
There’s also an option for Messi to extend the contract for another 12 months beyond 2025.
“Joining Inter Miami has given me a new challenge, a new adventure, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together,” Messi stated in a press conference reported by The Athletic.
What is Lionel Messi’s net worth in 2024?
In 2024, Messi’s estimated net worth is between $600-650 million.
He earns from his football contracts, endorsements, and business ventures. Messi is one of the richest athletes in the world.
What endorsements does Lionel Messi have?
Messi has many endorsements with major brands, such as:
- Adidas: Lifetime contract worth over $1 billion
- Pepsi
- Budweiser/Anheuser-Busch InBev
- Mastercard
- Gatorade
- Huawei
- Lays
- Ooredoo
- Hard Rock International
- Socios.com
- Konami
- Jacob & Co.
Messi’s endorsements are worth about $65 million annually, showing his huge popularity.
Personal Life and Background
What is known about Lionel Messi’s early life?
Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
He grew up in a close-knit, soccer-loving family.
His dad, Jorge Messi, worked in a steel factory, and his mom, Celia Cuccittini, worked in a magnet workshop.
At age 10, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which could’ve ended his career.
But at age 13, he had a trial with Barcelona, and they agreed to pay for his treatment.
Messi joined their famous La Masia academy, starting his legendary journey.
Who are the members of Lionel Messi’s family?
Messi’s family has supported him all along. His immediate family includes:
- Parents:
- Jorge Messi (father)
- Celia Cuccittini (mother)
- Wife and Children:
- Antonela Roccuzzo (wife)
- Thiago Messi (son, 11 years old)
- Mateo Messi (son, 8 years old)
- Ciro Messi (son, 6 years old)
- Siblings:
- Rodrigo Messi (older brother)
- Matias Messi (older brother)
- Maria Sol Messi (younger sister)
Messi’s family has played a huge role in his success, giving him constant support.
Final thoughts
Messi’s career is a testament to his incredible talent, hard work, and resilience.
From his early days in Rosario to his current status as a global icon, Messi has made a lasting impact on the soccer world.
As he gets closer to retiring with Inter Miami, fans worldwide celebrate his amazing achievements and look forward to seeing what he’ll do next.
How old is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi is currently 36 years old.
What are Lionel Messi’s height and weight?
Messi’s height is 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) and his weight is around 148 pounds (67 kg).
What is Lionel Messi’s ethnicity?
Lionel Messi is of mixed European descent with Italian and Spanish roots from his paternal side and possibly other European ancestry from his maternal side.
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