Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini, known as Leo, is an Argentine footballer, midfielder or striker of Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentine national team, of which he is captain, with whom he became champion of South America in 2021; moreover, with the Olympic national team, he won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and with the Under-20 national team he was world champion in the category in 2005. Often compared to his compatriot Maradona, he is considered one of the strongest players of all times.
He also enters the list of players with at least 1000 career appearances.
In his career he has won ten championships, the 35 trophies won make him the most decorated footballer in the history of Barcelona, a club for which he also holds the record for appearances.
With the Argentine national team, in which he has played since 2005, and of which he is a record holder of appearances and goals, he has participated in four editions of the world championship (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018), finishing in second place in 2014, and six America’s Cup (2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021), won in 2021 and finished in second place on three occasions (2007, 2015 and 2016).
On an individual level he has won the Ballon d’Or three times, and the FIFA Ballon d’Or four times (in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015), setting a record.
“The ball remains glued to his foot; I’ve seen great players in my life, but none with ball control like Messi’s.”
Diego Armando Maradona