Lionel Messi won his fourth Ballon d’Or, a remarkable achievement. Here is a brief overview of his life and career:
Biography:
- Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccitini, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.
- Son of Jorge Horacio Messi and Célia Maria Cuccitini, with two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and a younger sister, Marisol.
- In October 2012, Messi’s son, Thiago, was born.
Career Highlights:
- Joined the local club Grandoli at the age of 5.
- Recruited by FC Barcelona at 13 due to a hormonal condition affecting his growth.
- Made his first appearance for FC Barcelona’s first team in a friendly against FC Porto on November 16, 2003.
- Official La Liga debut against Espanyol Barcelona on October 16, 2004.
National Team:
- Wore an Argentina jersey for the first time with the under-20s in June 2004.
- Won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Palmarés (Honors): With Barcelona:
- Champions League: 2006, 2009, 2011
- Spanish Championship: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Copa del Rey: 2009, 2012
- Club World Cup: 2009, 2011
- UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011
- Spanish Super Cup: 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011
With the Argentinian National Team:
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2008
Sponsorships and Achievements:
- Adidas sponsorship since 2006.
- Highest-earning footballer in 2011, with 33 million euros in annual income.
- Featured on the cover of Pro Evolution Soccer game series (2009-2011).
- Signed a contract with Electronic Arts in 2011, headlining FIFA Street 4 and FIFA 13.
Ballon d’Or:
- Won the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
- Expressed gratitude for his fourth Ballon d’Or in 2012, acknowledging teammates, both at FC Barcelona and the Argentinian national team, as well as family and friends.
Lionel Messi’s illustrious career, marked by numerous achievements and records, has firmly established him as one of the greatest footballers in history.
