Lionel Messi

Bio:
Lionel Messi (born Lionel Andres Messi on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina) is an Argentine professional soccer player. Lionel grew up in a football loving family, and he developed a passion for the sport as a child. As a youth, Lionel was a hot prospect, and he signed with Barcelona in 2000. His family moved with him to Spain, and though he struggled to fit in with his new surroundings, he soon became part of Barcelona’s greatest-ever youth squad, scoring 36 goals in 30 games. He made his debut with the team at age 17 in 2004 and from there, Lionel became one of the greatest soccer players in history. He has led Barcelona to 7 La Liga championships, three Copa del Rey championships, four Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cup title wins and three FIFA Club World Cup championships. He has won the Ballon d’Or five times, the record for most Ballon d’Ors ever won by a single player. Lionel’s success is due to his incredible agility, allowing his to change direction more quickly than a taller, imposing player. He also is a prolific scorer who will go down in history as one of the best in the game.

Best Known For:
Lionel Messi is best known as a soccer player for the Barcelona soccer club.

Personal Life:
Since 2008, Lionell has been involved with Antonella Roccuzzo, the cousin of his childhood best friend. They have two sons together – Thiago, born in 2012, and Mateo, born in 2015. To celebrate Antonella’s first pregnancy, Lionel placed the bal under his shirt after scoring in an Ecuador game. Lionel is heavily involved in charities, including the United Nations Children’s Fund and funding youth football programs in his native country of Argentina.