How well do you know Lionel Messi?
From a boy in Rosario to a world champion, Messi's path is full of surprising moments. Six questions, starting easy and ending hard.
Did you know?
- By the end of 2025, Messi had won the Ballon d'Or eight times, more than any other player. The award, organised by France Football, has been given to the best player in the world since 1956.
- Messi's first official goal for Barcelona came in 2005 from an assist by Ronaldinho, who lifted him onto his shoulders to celebrate. The moment is often described as a symbolic handover between two generations of stars.
- In 2023 Messi moved to Inter Miami in the United States. His arrival caused ticket prices and league viewing figures to jump sharply, and many American fans saw him play live for the first time.
The quiet genius
Lionel Messi's story is unusual in modern football: he spent more than two decades at a single club, Barcelona, after arriving as a child. His style — close control, sudden changes of direction and precise passing — made him one of the most admired players of all time, and his humble public image contrasted with his extraordinary achievements.
Growing up at La Masia
Messi developed at Barcelona's famous academy, La Masia, alongside players such as Gerard Piqué and Cesc Fàbregas. The academy's style emphasised short passing and intelligent movement, which suited his small frame and quick feet. Many experts believe this environment shaped the combination of dribbling and playmaking that defined his career, allowing him to be both a scorer and a creator.
The long road with Argentina
For years, Messi faced criticism in Argentina for not winning a major senior trophy, losing several finals, including the 2014 World Cup final. That made the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup especially emotional. After the 2022 final in Qatar, which Argentina won on penalties, images of Messi lifting the trophy became some of the most widely shared sports photos ever.
A different kind of star
Unlike many celebrities, Messi rarely gives dramatic interviews and keeps much of his private life out of the spotlight. His influence spreads mainly through the way he plays. Coaches around the world use clips of his dribbling and passing to teach young players about balance, vision and decision-making under pressure.
Why his dribbling is special
Analysts often point to Messi's low centre of gravity and the number of small touches he takes. Keeping the ball very close to his feet lets him change direction at the last moment, when defenders have already committed their weight. Studies of match data have also shown that he walks more than many players during games, conserving energy and scanning the pitch before exploding into action when an opportunity appears.