Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi is an Argentine footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time — the only player to win the Ballon d'Or eight times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023). Born in Rosario in 1987 and trained at FC Barcelona's La Masia academy from age 13, he won 35 trophies with Barcelona including 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions Leagues, before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and then Inter Miami CF in 2023 in one of MLS's most transformative transfers. For Argentina he has won the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, two Copa América titles (2021, 2024), and the Finalissima 2022 — cementing his legacy on the international stage. He remains a global cultural figure, humanitarian ambassador, and the world's most-followed footballer.