Lionel Messi 1

Lionel Messi

Personal information

Full name Lionel Andrés Messi[1] [2]

Date of birth 24 June 1987

Place of birth Rosario, Argentina

Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)[1]

Playing position Striker / Winger

Club information

Current club Barcelona

Number 10

Youth career

1995–2000 Newell's Old Boys

2000–2004 Barcelona

Senior career*

Years Team Apps† (Gls)†

2004–2005 Barcelona B 5 (0)

2004– Barcelona 144 (88)

National team‡

2005 Argentina U20 7 (6)

2008 Argentina U23 5 (2)

2005– Argentina 44 (13)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 16 May 2010.† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 20 February 2010

Lionel Andrés Messi (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi]; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine footballer whocurrently plays for Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Considered one of the best football players of hisgeneration[3] [4] [5] and frequently cited as the world's best contemporary player,[6] Messi received several Ballond'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22.[6] [7] [8] [9] Hisplaying style and ability have drawn comparisons to Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his"successor."[10] [11]

Lionel Messi 2

Lionel Messi began playing football at a young age and his potential was quickly identified by Barcelona. He leftRosario-based Newell's Old Boys's youth team in 2000 and moved with his family to Europe, as Barcelona offeredtreatment for his growth hormone deficiency. Making his debut in the 2004–05 season, he broke the La Liga recordfor the youngest footballer to play a league game, and also the youngest to score a league goal. Major honours soonfollowed as Barcelona won La Liga in Messi's debut season, and won a double of the league and Champions Leaguein 2006. His breakthrough season was in 2006–07; he became a first team regular, scoring a hat-trick in El Clásicoand finishing with 14 goals in 26 league games. Perhaps his most successful season was the 2008–09 season, inwhich Messi scored 38 goals to play an integral part in a treble-winning campaign.Messi was the top scorer of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship with six goals, including two in the finalgame. Shortly thereafter, he became an established member of Argentina's senior international team. In 2006, hebecame the youngest Argentine to play in the FIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa Américatournament the following year. In 2008, in Beijing, he won his first international honour, an Olympic gold medal,with the Argentina Olympic football team.

Early lifeMessi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, to parents Jorge Horacio Messi (born 1958), a factoryworker, and Celia María Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner.[12] [13] [14] His paternal family originates from the Italian cityof Ancona, where his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883.[15] [16] He has two older brothersnamed Rodrigo and Matías as well as a sister named Maria Sol.[17] At the age of five, Messi started playing footballfor Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge.[18] In 1995, Messi switched to Newell's Old Boys who werebased in his home city Rosario.[18] At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.[19]

Primera División club River Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but did not have enough money to pay for thetreatment, as it cost $900 a month.[14] Carles Rexach, the sporting director of Barcelona, had been made aware of histalent as Messi had relatives in Lleida, Catalonia, and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial.[14] Barcelonasigned him after watching him play,[20] offering to pay for the medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain.[18]

His family moved to Europe and he started in the club's youth teams.[20] He has two cousins in football; Maxi andEmanuel Biancucchi.[21] [22]

Club career

BarcelonaMessi made his official debut for the first team in a friendly match against Porto on 16 November 2003 (at 16 yearsand 145 days).[23] [24] Less than a year later, Frank Rijkaard let him make his league debut against Espanyol on 16October 2004 (at 17 years and 114 days), becoming the third-youngest player ever to play for Barcelona andyoungest club player who played in La Liga (a record broken by team mate Bojan Krkić in September 2007).[1] [23]

When he scored his first senior goal for the club against Albacete on 1 May 2005, Messi was 17 years, 10 monthsand 7 days old, becoming the youngest to ever score in a La Liga game for Barcelona[25] until 2007 when BojanKrkić broke this record, scoring from a Messi assist.[26] Messi said about his ex-coach Rijkaard: "I'll never forget thefact that he launched my career, that he had confidence in me while I was only sixteen or seventeen."[27]

Lionel Messi 3

2005–06 season

The Maradona and Pele polemics will end.

Diego Maradona, on the consequences if Messi won the 2010 World Cup[28]

On 16 September, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced an update to Messi's contract; this timeit was improved to pay him as a first team member and extended until June 2014.[18] Messi obtained Spanishcitizenship on 26 September 2005[29] and was finally able to make his debut in the season's Spanish First Division.Messi's first home outing in the Champions League came on 27 September against Italian club Udinese.[23] Fans atBarcelona's stadium, the Camp Nou, gave Messi a standing ovation upon his substitution, as his composure on theball and passing combinations with Ronaldinho had paid dividends for Barcelona.[30]

Messi netted six goals in seventeen league appearances, and scored one Champions League goal in six. His seasonended prematurely on 7 March 2006, however, when he suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during the secondleg of the second round Champions League tie against Chelsea.[31] Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona ended the season aschampions of Spain and Europe.[32] [33]

2006–07 season

Messi in a match against Rangers in 2007

In the 2006–07 season, Messi established himself as a regular firstteam player, scoring 14 times in 26 matches.[34] On 12 November, inthe game against Real Zaragoza, Messi suffered a broken metatarsal,ruling him out for three months.[35] [36] Messi recuperated from hisinjury in Argentina, and his return to action came against RacingSantander on 11 February,[37] where he came on as a second-halfsubstitute. On 11 March, El Clásico saw Messi in top form, scoring ahat-trick to earn 10-man Barcelona a 3–3 draw, equalising three times,with the final equaliser coming in injury time.[38] In doing so hebecame the first player since Iván Zamorano (for Real Madrid in the 1994–95 season) to score a hat-trick in ElClásico.[39] Messi is also the youngest player ever to have scored in this fixture. Towards the end of the season hebegan finding the net more often; 11 of his 14 league goals for the season came from the last 13 games.[40]

Messi shortly before scoring a goal against Getafe

Messi also proved the "new Maradona" tag was not all hype, bynear-replicating Maradona's most famous goals in the space of thesingle season.[41] On 18 April 2007, he scored two goals during aCopa del Rey semi-final against Getafe, one of which was verysimilar to Maradona's famous goal against England at the 1986World Cup in Mexico, known as the Goal of the Century.[42] Theworld's sports press drew comparisons with Maradona, and theSpanish press labelled Messi as "Messidona".[43] He ran about thesame distance, 62 metres (203 ft), beat the same number of players(six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a very similarposition, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in

Mexico 21 years before.[41] In a press conference after the game, Messi's team-mate Deco said: "It was the best goalI have ever seen in my life."[44] Against Espanyol Messi also scored a goal which was remarkably similar toMaradona's goal against England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Messi launched himself at the ball and connectedwith his hand to guide the ball past the goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.[45] Despite protests by Espanyol players andreplays showing it was clear handball, the goal stood.[45]

Lionel Messi 4

2007–08 season

Messi takes Barcelona to 2–0 against Sevilla atCamp Nou on 22 September 2007

During the 2007–08 season, Messi scored five goals in a week leadingBarcelona to the top four in La Liga. On 19 September he scored onceas Barcelona defeated Lyon 3–0 at home in a Champions Leaguematch.[46] He scored two goals against Sevilla on 22 September[47] andthen on 26 September, Messi scored another two goals in a 4–1 victoryover Real Zaragoza.[48] On 27 February, Messi played in his 100thofficial match for Barça against Valencia.[49]

He was nominated for a FIFPro World XI Player Award under thecategory of Forward.[50] A poll conducted in the online edition of theSpanish newspaper Marca had him as the best player in the world with77 percent of the vote.[51] Columnists from Barcelona-basednewspapers El Mundo Deportivo and Sport stated that the Ballon d'Orshould be given to Messi, a view supported by Franz Beckenbauer.[52]

Football personalities such as Francesco Totti have declared that theyconsider Messi to be one of the current best footballers in the world.[53]

Messi was sidelined for six weeks following an injury on 4 March when he suffered a muscle tear in his left thighduring a Champions League match against Celtic. It was the fourth time in three seasons that Messi suffered thistype of injury.[54]

2008–09 season

Messi in a match against DeportivoLa Coruña

Upon Ronaldinho's departure from the club, Messi inherited his number 10jersey.[55] On 1 October 2008, during a Champions League match againstShakhtar Donetsk, Messi scored two goals during the last seven minutes, aftercoming on as a substitute for Thierry Henry, to turn the score from 1–0 to a 1–2victory for Barcelona.[56] The next league game was versus Atlético Madrid, amatch billed as a friendly battle between Messi and his good friend SergioAgüero.[57] Messi scored a goal from a free kick and assisted another as Barçawent on to win the match 6–1.[58] Messi netted another impressive brace againstSevilla scoring a volley from 23 metres (25 yd) and then dribbling round thegoalkeeper and scoring from a tight angle for the other.[59] On 13 December2008, during the first Clásico of the season, Messi scored the second goal inBarcelona's 2–0 win over Real Madrid.[60] He was also named second in the2008 FIFA World Player of the Year awards with 678 points.[8]

Messi scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a Copa del Rey tie against AtléticoMadrid which Barcelona won 3–1.[61] Messi scored another important double on 1 February 2009, coming on as asecond half substitute to help Barcelona defeat Racing Santander 1–2 after being 1–0 down. The second of the twostrikes was Barcelona's 5000th league goal.[62] In the 28th round of La Liga, Messi scored his 30th goal of the seasonin all competitions, helping his team to a 6–0 victory over Málaga in the process.[63] On 8 April 2009, he scoredtwice against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, setting a personal record of eight goals in thecompetition.[64] On 18 April, Messi notched his 20th league goal of the season in a 1–0 win at Getafe, allowingBarcelona to maintain their six point advantage at the top of the league table over Real Madrid.[65]

As Barcelona's season was drawing to a close, Messi scored twice (his 35th and 36th goals in all competitions) to cap a 6–2 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu[66] in what was Real's heaviest defeat since 1930.[67] After

Lionel Messi 5

scoring each goal, he ran towards the fans and the cameras lifting up his Barcelona jersey and showing anotherT-shirt that read Síndrome X Fràgil, Catalan for Fragile X Syndrome, to show his support for children who sufferfrom the affliction.[68] Messi was involved in the build-up to Andrés Iniesta's injury time goal against Chelsea in theChampions League semi-final to send Barcelona through to face Manchester United in the final. He won his firstCopa del Rey on 13 May, scoring one goal and assisting another two, in a 4–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.[69] Hehelped his team win the double by winning La Liga. On 27 May he helped Barcelona win the 2009 UEFAChampions League Final by scoring a second goal in the 70th minute giving Barcelona a two goal lead; he alsobecame the top scorer in the Champions League, the youngest in the tournament's history, with nine goals.[70] Messialso won the UEFA Club Forward of the Year: and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year rounding off a spectacularyear in Europe.[71] This victory meant Barcelona had won the Copa del Rey, La Liga and UEFA Champions Leaguein the one season,[72] and was the first time a Spanish club had ever won the treble.[73]

2009–10 season

"Once he's on the run, Messi is unstoppable. He's the only player who can change direction at such a pace."

"He is the best player in the world by some distance. He's (like) a PlayStation. He can take advantage of every mistake we make."

Arsène Wenger after Barcelona won 4–1 against Arsenal.[74] [75]

Messi in action during the Joan Gamper Trophymatch between Barcelona and Manchester City at

Camp Nou

After winning the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, Barcelona manager JosepGuardiola asserted that Messi was probably the best player he had everseen.[76]

On 18 September, Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona,running until 2016 and with a buy-out clause of €250 million included,making Messi, along with Zlatan Ibrahimović, the highest paid playersin La Liga, with earnings of around €9.5 million yearly.[77] [78] Fourdays later, on 22 September, Messi scored two goals and assistedanother in Barça's 4–1 win over Racing Santander in La Liga.[79] Hescored his first European goal of the season on 29 September in a 2–0win over Dynamo Kyiv,[80] and then took his goal tally to six goals inseven games in La Liga with a strike during a 6–1 routing of Real Zaragoza at Camp Nou.[81] [82]

Messi was named winner of the 2009 Ballon d'Or on 1 December 2009, beating runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo bylargest ever margin of 473 to 233.[83] [84] [85] Afterwards, France Football magazine quoted Messi as saying: "Idedicate it to my family. They were always present when I needed them and sometimes felt even stronger emotionsthan me."[86]

On 19 December, Messi scored the winner in the final of the 2009 Club World Cup against Estudiantes in AbuDhabi, and thus giving the club their sixth title of the year.[87] Two days later, he was given the FIFA World Playerof the Year award; beating Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Kaká and Andrés Iniesta to the award. This was the first time hehad won the award, and he became the first Argentinean to ever receive this honour.[88] On 10 January 2010, Messiscored his first hat-trick in 2010 and his first hat-trick of the season against Tenerife in the 0–5 victory,[89] and on 17January he scored his 100th goal for the club in the 4–0 victory over Sevilla.[90]

Messi then started an impressive run scoring 11 goals in five games. First he scored on the 84th minute againstMálaga for a 2–1 win,[91] then he scored two goals against Almería in a 2–2 tie.[92] He continued his spree with animpressive week where he scored eight goals; he started by scoring a hat-trick against Valencia in a 3–0 homewin,[93] then he scored two goals against Stuttgart, in a 4–0 win that secured Barcelona's qualification to thequarterfinals of the Champions League,[94] and finally he scored another hat-trick against Zaragoza in a 4–2 awaywin,[95] becoming the first Barcelona player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in La Liga.[96] He played his 200thofficial match for Barcelona against Osasuna on 24 March 2010.[97]

Lionel Messi 6

On 6 April 2010, for the first time in Messi's career he scored four goals in a single match, netting the lot in a 4–1home win over Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.[98] [99] [100] This also saw him overtakeRivaldo as Barcelona's all time greatest scorer in the competition.[101] On 10 April, Messi scored his 40th goal of theseason when he netted the first goal in a 2–0 away win against title-rivals Real Madrid in El Clásico.[102] On 1 May,Messi played his 50th game of the season and scored two goals on a 4–1 away win against Villarreal.[103] Just threedays later, on 4 May, Messi scored two goals in another 4–1 win at home against Tenerife.[104] Messi scored his32nd goal of the La Liga season on 8 May, during an away win against Sevilla,[105] and in the final match againstValladolid, he scored two goals in the second half to tie Ronaldo's club record of 34 goals in a single league season,set in 1996–97,[106] [107] and to finish four goals behind the all-time record held by Telmo Zarra.[108] He was namedLa Liga player of the year for the second year in a row on 3 June 2010.[109]

International careerIn June 2004, he debuted for Argentina, playing in an under-20 friendly match against Paraguay.[110] In 2005 he waspart of a team that won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. There, he won the GoldenBall and the Golden Shoe,[111] scoring in the last four of Argentina's matches and netting a total of six for thetournament.He made his full international debut on 17 August 2005 against Hungary at the age of 18. He was substituted onduring the 63rd minute, but was sent off on the 65th minute because the referee, Markus Merk, found he hadheadbutted defender Vilmos Vanczák, who was tugging Messi's shirt. The decision was contentious and Maradonaeven claimed the decision was pre-meditated.[112] [113] Messi returned to the team on 3 September in Argentina's 1–0World Cup qualifier away defeat to Paraguay. Ahead of the match he had said "This is a re-debut. The first one wasa bit short."[114] He then started his first game for Argentina against Peru; after the match Pekerman described Messias "a jewel".[115]

On 28 March 2009, in a World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela, Messi wore the number 10 jersey for the first timewith Argentina. This match was the first official match for Diego Maradona as the Argentina manager. Argentinawon the match 4–0 with Messi opening the scoring.[116]

2006 World CupThe injury that kept Messi from playing for two months at the end of the 2005–06 season jeopardised his presence inthe 2006 World Cup. Nevertheless, Messi was selected in the Argentina squad for the tournament on 15 May 2006.He also played in the final match before the World Cup against the Argentine U-20 team for 15 minutes and afriendly match against Angola from the 64th minute.[117] [118] He witnessed Argentina's opening match victoryagainst Ivory Coast from the substitute's bench.[119] In the next match against Serbia, Messi became the youngestplayer to represent Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for Maxi Rodríguez in the 74thminute. He assisted Hernán Crespo's goal within minutes of entering the game and also scored the final goal in the6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth youngest goalscorer in the history ofthe World Cup.[120] Messi started in Argentina's following 0–0 draw against the Netherlands.[121] In the followinggame against Mexico, Messi came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared toscore a goal, but it was ruled offside with Argentina needing a late goal in extra time to proceed.[122] [123] Coach JoséPekerman left Messi on the bench during the quarter-final match against Germany, which they lost 4–2 on a penaltyshootout.[124]

Lionel Messi 7

2007 Copa América

Messi at the 2007 Copa América

Messi played his first game in the 2007 Copa América on 29 June2007, when Argentina defeated United States 4–1 in the first game. Inthis game, he showed his capabilities as a playmaker. He set up a goalfor fellow striker Hernán Crespo and had numerous shots on target.Tevez came on as a substitute for Messi in the 79th minute and scoredminutes later.[125]

His second game was against Colombia, in which he won a penaltythat Crespo converted to tie the game at 1–1. He also played a part inArgentina's second goal as he was fouled outside the box, whichallowed Juan Roman Riquelme to score from a freekick, and increaseArgentina's lead to 3–1. The final score of the game was 4–2 in Argentina's favor and guaranteed them a spot in thetournament's quarterfinals.[126]

In the third game, against Paraguay the coach rested Messi having already qualified for the quarter-finals. He cameoff the bench in place of Esteban Cambiasso in the 64th minute, with the score at 0–0. In the 79th minute, he ssisteda goal for Javier Mascherano.[127] In the quarter-finals, as Argentina faced Peru, Messi scored the second goal of thegame, from a Riquelme pass in a 4–0 win.[128] During the semi-final match against Mexico, Messi scored a lob overOswaldo Sánchez to see Argentina through to the final with a 3–0 win.[129] Argentina went on to lose 3–0 to Brazilin the final.[130]

2008 Summer Olympics

Messi in the semi-final against Brazil at the 2008Olympics

Having barred Messi from playing for Argentina in the 2008Olympics,[131] Barcelona agreed to release him after he held talks withnewly appointed coach Josep Guardiola.[132] He joined the Argentinasquad and scored the first goal in a 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast.[132]

He then scored the opening goal and assisted Ángel Di María in thesecond to help his side to a 2–1 extra-time win against theNetherlands.[133] He also featured in Argentina's match against rivalsBrazil, in which Argentina took a 3–0 victory, thus advancing to thefinal.[134] In the gold medal match, Messi again assisted Di María forthe only goal in a 1–0 victory over Nigeria.[135]

Outside football

Personal lifeMessi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos, also from his hometown of Rosario. He is said tohave been introduced to her by the girl's father when he returned to Rosario to recover from his injury a few daysbefore the start of the 2006 World Cup.[136] [137] He has in the past also been linked to the Argentine model, LucianaSalazar.[138] [139] In January 2009 he told "Hat Trick Barça", a programme on Canal 33: "I have a girlfriend and sheis living in Argentina, I am relaxed and happy".[139] He was seen with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo,[140] at a carnivalin Sitges after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Roccuzzo is a fellow native of Rosario.[141] They plan to wed near theend of 2010.[140]

Lionel Messi 8

CharityIn 2007 Messi established Fundacion Leo Messi [142], a charity supporting access to education and health care forvulnerable children.[143] [144] In an fansite interview, Messi said: “Being a bit famous now gives me the opportunityto help people who really need it, especially children."[145]

In response to Messi’s own childhood medical difficulties, the Leo Messi Foundation supports Argentine childrendiagnosed with medical conditions by offering treatment in Spain and covering the transport, hospital andrecuperation costs.[146] Messi’s foundation is supported by his own fundraising activity with additional assistancefrom Herbalife [147].On 11 March 2010,[148] Messi was announced as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Messi’s Unicef ambassadoractivities are aimed at supporting children’s rights. Messi is supported in this by FC Barcelona, who also have astrong association with Unicef.[149]

MediaHe is featured on the front cover of the video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and is also involved in promotionalcampaigns for the game.[150] [151] Messi, along with Fernando Torres,[152] is the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010,and was also involved in the motion capturing and the trailer.[153] [154] [155] Messi is sponsored by the Germansportswear company Adidas and features in their television advertisements.[156] In June 2010, Messi also signed a 3year deal with Herbalife[157] which further supports the Leo Messi Foundation.

Career statisticsAs of 16 May 2010.[158]

Club Season League Cup[159] Europe[160] Club World Cup Total

Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists

Barcelona 2004–05 7 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 — 9 1 0

2005–06 17 6 3 2 1 0 6 1 1 — 25 8 4

2006–07 26 14 2 4 2 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 36 17 3

2007–08 28 10 12 3 0 0 9 6 1 — 40 16 13

2008–09 31 23 11 8 6 2 12 9 5 — 51 38 18

2009–10 35 34 13 4 3 0 12 8 1 2 2 0 53 47 14

Career totals 144 88 41 22 12 3 46 25 8 2 2 0 214 127 52

International goals

Lionel Messi 9

Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition

1 1 March 2006 St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland  Croatia 2–3 Loss Friendly

2 16 June 2006 WM-Stadion Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen,Germany

 Serbia andMontenegro

6–0 Win 2006 World Cup

3 5 June 2007 Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain  Algeria 4–3 Win Friendly

4 5 June 2007 Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain Algeria 4–3 Win Friendly

5 8 July 2007 Metropolitano de Fútbol de Lara, Barquisimeto,Venezuela

 Peru 4–0 Win 2007 Copa América

6 11 July 2007 Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz,Venezuela

 Mexico 0–3 Win 2007 Copa América

7 16 October 2007 José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo, Venezuela  Venezuela 0–2 Win 2010 World Cupqualifying

8 20 November2007

Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia  Colombia 2–1 Loss 2010 World Cupqualifying

9 4 June 2008 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, United States Mexico 1–4 Win Friendly

10 11 October 2008 Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina  Uruguay 2–1 Win 2010 World Cupqualifying

11 11 February2009

Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France  France 0–2 Win Friendly

12 28 March 2009 Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina Venezuela 4–0 Win 2010 World Cupqualifying

13 14 November2009

Vicente Calderón Stadium, Madrid, Spain  Spain 1–2 Loss Friendly

Honours

Barcelona• La Liga: 4

2005, 2006, 2009, 2010• Copa del Rey: 1

2009• Supercopa de España: 3

2005, 2006, 2009• Champions League: 2

2006, 2009• UEFA Super Cup: 1

• FIFA Club World Cup: 1

Lionel Messi 10

Argentina• FIFA U-20 World Cup: 1

2005• Olympic Gold Medal: 1

2008

Individual• FIFA U-20 World Cup Top Goalscorer: 1

2005• FIFA U-20 World Cup Player of the Tournament: 1

• Copa América Young Player of the Tournament: 1

2007• U-21 European Footballer of the Year: 1

• FIFA Team of the Year: 2

2008, 2009• FIFA World Player of the Year: 1

2009• European Footballer of the Year: 1

• Onze d'Or: 1

• European Golden Shoe: 1

2010• UEFA Champions League Player of the Year: 1

• UEFA Champions League Forward of the Year: 1

• UEFA Champions League top scorer: 2

2009, 2010• UEFA Team of the Year: 2

• La Liga Player of the Year: 2

• La Liga Top Goalscorer: 1

• La Liga Best Foreign Player: 3

2007, 2009, 2010• La Liga Best Ibero-American Player: 3

• La Liga Best Player: 1

• La Liga Best Foward: 1

• FIFPro World Player of the Year: 1

• FIFPro World Young Player of the Year: 3

2006, 2007, 2008• FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2

2007, 2008• FIFPro World XI: 3

2007, 2008, 2009

Lionel Messi 11

• World Soccer Player of the Year: 1

• World Soccer Young Player of the Year: 3

• FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 1

• Player of the Year of Argentina: 4

2005, 2007, 2008, 2009

External links• Lionel Messi biography [161] at FC Barcelona• Lionel Messi statistics [162] at FIFA• Tactical Profile [163] at Football-Lineups.com• Player Profile [164] at Footbalistic• Profile [165] at ESPN• Lionel Messi Profile [166] at All for Football

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. Retrieved 11 October 2008.[129] "Messi's Magic Goal" (http:/ / news. bbc. co. uk/ sport1/ hi/ football/ internationals/ 6294930. stm). BBC Sport. 12 July 2007. . Retrieved

11 October 2008.[130] "Brazil victorious in Copa America" (http:/ / news. bbc. co. uk/ sport1/ hi/ football/ 6899694. stm). BBC Sport. 16 July 2007. . Retrieved

28 May 2009.[131] "Lionel Messi out of Olympics after Barcelona win court appeal against Fifa" (http:/ / www. telegraph. co. uk/ sport/ othersports/ olympics/

2510034/ Lionel-Messi-out-of-Olympics-after-Barcelona-win-court-appeal-against-Fifa. html). London: Daily Telegraph. 6 August 2008. .Retrieved 27 May 2009.

[132] "Barcelona give Messi Olympics thumbs-up" (http:/ / afp. google. com/ article/ ALeqM5hBwBdQawHH84xSfUkq2uo3w1nwvA). AFP. 7August 2008. . Retrieved 27 May 2009.

[133] "Messi sets up Brazil semi" (http:/ / www. fifa. com/ mensolympic/ matches/ round=250022/ match=300051809/ summary. html). FIFA.16 August 2008. . Retrieved 27 May 2009.

[134] Baumgartner, Jesse (19 August 2008). "Argentina Takes Down Brazil 3–0" (http:/ / www. examiner. com/

x-642-Soccer-Examiner~y2008m8d19-Argentina-Takes-Down-Brazil-30-in-Olympic-Semifinal-Nigera-Awaits-in-Final). Examiner. .

Lionel Messi 16

Retrieved 27 May 2009.[135] Millward, Robert (23 August 2008). "Argentina beats Nigeria 1–0 for Olympic gold" (http:/ / www. usatoday. com/ sports/ olympics/

2008-08-23-860591452_x. htm). USA Today. . Retrieved 27 May 2009.[136] "Lionel me prometió venir a mi cumple de quince después del Mundial" (http:/ / www. gente. com. ar/ nota. php?ID=11359) (in Spanish).

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2008. . Retrieved 18 June 2009.[139] "Messi y Antonella pasean por el Carnaval de Sitges su noviazgo" (http:/ / www. elperiodico. com/ default. asp?idpublicacio_PK=46&

idioma=CAS& idnoticia_PK=590154& idseccio_PK=1028) (in Spanish). El Periódico de Catalunya. 25 February 2009. . Retrieved 18 June2009.

[140] "Messi, a dicembre... sogni d'oro" (http:/ / www. calciomercato. it/ news/ 46787/ Messi-a-dicembre-sogni-doro!. html) (in Italian). CalcioMercato News. 21 April 2009. . Retrieved 13 July 2009.

[141] "La verdad sobre la nueva novia de Messi" (http:/ / www. taringa. net/ posts/ noticias/ 2213473/La-verdad-sobre-la-nueva-novia-de-Messi__. html) (in Spanish). Taringa. 24 February 2009. . Retrieved 18 June 2009.

[142] http:/ / www. fundacionleomessi. org/ index. php[143] "Fundación Leo Messi – Nuestra Fundación" (http:/ / www. fundacionleomessi. org/ nuestra-fundacion. php). Fundacíon Leo Messi. .

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hecho de ser en estos momentos un poco famoso me da la oportunidad de ayudar a la gente que en realidad lo necesita, en especial los niños""[146] "Foundation Lionel Messi" (http:/ / en. leo-messi. net/ new-foundation-lionel-messi__921. aspx/ ). En.leo-messi.net. . Retrieved 7 June

2010.[147] http:/ / www. totalbarca. com/ 2010/ news/ barcelona-agree-to-multi-million-deal-with-herbalife/[148] "UNICEF to announce Lionel Messi as Goodwill Ambassador" (http:/ / www. unicef. org/ media/ media_52938. html). Press centre.

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konami-names-messi-as-face-pes-2009-$1234471. htm). Gamezine.co.uk. 1 August 2008. . Retrieved 9 June 2009.[151] "Messi" (http:/ / www. pesunites. com/ eng/ index. htm). PES Unites. . Retrieved 9 June 2009.[152] Orry, James (23 June 2009). "Torres signs for PES 2010" (http:/ / www. videogamer. com/ news/ torres_signs_for_pes_2010. html).

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do;jsessionid=A2FD1270B2C75DE70A52446CBF821D5A?idNews=411). Konami. 2 June 2009. . Retrieved 9 June 2009.[155] "MOTD magazine crew meet Messi in Barcelona" (http:/ / www. pesfan. com/ news/ 8212537/ Messi-mo-cap-photos/ #newsarticle).

PESFan (Match of the Day Magazine). . Retrieved 18 June 2009.[156] "Watch Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi in Adidas ad" (http:/ / www. guardian. co. uk/ media/ video/ 2009/ may/ 27/

zidane-messi-adidas-ad). London: The Guardian. 27 May 2009. . Retrieved 16 August 2009.[157] "Herbalife Becomes New Sponsor" (http:/ / www. marketwatch. com/ story/

herbalife-becomes-new-sponsor-of-fc-barcelona-2010-06-02?reflink=MW_news_stmp). 2 June 2010. . Retrieved 7 June 2010.[158] 101 "'Pichichi' y centenario" (http:/ / hemeroteca. elmundodeportivo. es/ preview/ 2010/ 01/ 18/ pagina-7/ 5259184/ pdf.

html?search=messi) (in Spanish). elmundodeportivo. 101. Retrieved 17 January 2010.[159] Includes Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.[160] Includes UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Champions League.[161] http:/ / www. fcbarcelona. com/ web/ english/ futbol/ temporada_09-10/ plantilla/ jugadors/ messi. html[162] http:/ / www. fifa. com/ worldfootball/ statisticsandrecords/ players/ player=229397/ index. html[163] http:/ / www. football-lineups. com/ players/ player. php?route=9[164] http:/ / footbalistic. com/ en/ players/ 3997/ lionel_messi[165] http:/ / soccernet. espn. go. com/ players/ stats?id=45843& cc=5739[166] http:/ / www. allforfootball. net/ players/ Lionel-Messi-53059

Article Sources and Contributors 17

Article Sources and ContributorsLionel Messi  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=367612713  Contributors: *P*N*C*R, -Lemmy-, -The-Rocket-147-, 01bemounce, 10cents, 3E933333Boy, A18919, ABF,ADB15, Aajunkie, Aaron carass, AaronMcV, Ab1506, Abdirahman 143, Abu badali, Acalamari, Ace ETP, Achangeisasgoodasa, Acmilan10italia, Actionfury199, Acwilan, Adar10, Addshore,Aditogs, Adrian Monk 29, AdrianH, Adrockos555, Afwickinho, AhMeD BoSS, Aitias, Ajbpearce, Akamp85, Akmilo 21, Alan08, Alansohn, Alechuncho, Aleksa Lukic, Alex.muller, Alexf,Alexkin, Alextrevelian 006, Alfi.fcb, Alfmaster, Alinaraghi, Alonsogv, Amarhgil, Amorymeltzer, Andrew c, Andrewlp1991, Andrewpmk, Andyxsara, Angelo.romano, Angr, Anonymous theEditor, Antandrus, Antoniades93, Antwan619, Appledave95, Apstockholm, Arbero, Archer3, Arctic.gnome, Arg10, Argpav290, Arielo, Arlindisthebest, Aron.t.rodriguez, Asocall, Atamata,Athanmarkos, Auric, Az88, Aza2003, Azzytyb, BFUK, Baa, Babahadi, Badgernet, Bardhylius, Barticus88, Bartledan, Batman2005, Bazona, Bcnviajero, Beckford10, Beemer69, Belletti4, BenBen, Bender235, Berliner88, BestEditorEver, Beto1088, Bhadani, Big Bird, Bigwhisker, Billywhiz0788, Birdy god, Blackpride03, Blitz 24 7, Bobby Bunter, Bobo192, Bocafan76, Bocanegra,Boils, Boing! said Zebedee, Bongwarrior, Bort08, Bran Guy, Brandon5485, Brianga, BrotherFlounder, Brougham96, BrownCow, Bruninho, Bruno P. Dori, Bulkroosh, Bybuti, CIreland,CLyDe-31, CZARofLA, Cacjl, Call me Bubba, Callum1493, Camw, Can't sleep, clown will eat me, Canadian-Bacon, CanadianLinuxUser, Cantthinkofagoodname, Capricorn42, Captain-tucker,Carabinieri, Carioca, Carlinnn, CatalanBoy, Ccwaters, Cf1054, ChaChaFut, Champ2k8, Changer123345678, Chanheigeorge, Chapecoense, CharlieLuciano, Chasingsol, Che829, Cherbinator,Chipppy, Chopperdav3, Chris Edgemon, ChrisTheDude, Chrisportelli, Chuyduarte, Chvsanchez, CieloEstrellado, Citicat, Citz, ClanCC, ClaudioMB, Clawunf, Closedmouth, Cogumelo, ColoniesChris, Cometstyles, Commander Shepard, CommonsDelinker, Conker01, Conrad Leviston, CorleoneSerpicoMontana, Craigy144, Creepshmeek, Cs-wolves, Cule 09, Cynical, CzarNick, D,D99figge, DStoykov, DaEazy, Daddy Kindsoul, Dadude3320, Daemonic Kangaroo, Dajes13, Danielliygmail, Danielp9480, Danize, Dannyh12, Dapsv, Darz Mol, Dathangy, Davidkazuhiro,Davidson9, Davix8, Dawindler, Dbc06, Debresser, Deliboo24, Dellasener, Denkster06, DerHexer, DethFromAbove, Dethme0w, Devoindahouse, DiegoWikipedia, Digirami, DinoAvdic,Diophantus, Dis embodied, Discospinster, Djdannyp, Djimi8978, Djln, Doberman Pharaoh, Doctormatt, Doddinator1991, Domiy, Donation, Dotkate, DoubleBlue, Dougweller, Downloadmeh, DrDec, Dr. Steller, Dr.-Jeff, Dragonlord kfb, Dreaded Walrus, Dspradau, Dudesleeper, Dullmoniker, DumebiRapu, E Wing, EH74DK, EVula, Eaefremov, East fizzle, Eatingme, EchetusXe,Ecuagirl06, Ed g2s, Eeekster, Eenu, EjayAD, Ekingunel, El aprendelenguas, Ela G, Elsonlam1, Emre43, Enna! Podi, Epbr123, Eric-Wester, Erminameraz, Escape Orbit, Eu si numai eu, Euryalus,Excirial, EzZe el 7, Fagbagbrit, Fahri1905, Falcon8765, Fallhaib, Favonian, Fernando Alejandro Nadal, Fernando9, Fernandosmission, Fflores58, Fieldday-sunday, Fifa10007, FifaEditor, Filipão,Finetooth, Flap82, Fleshly, Flewis, Football nut, Footyfanatic19, Forza il Capitano, Foster red devil, Foysoltanvir, FrankCostanza, Friguron, GIsaias, Gadfium, Gadig, Gail, Gardnerhuntelaar,Garmian, Garrysantos, GaryColemanFan, Gdlrobertson, Ged UK, Georgeslaurent, Geronimo355, Gerson L, Geschichte, Gianluca91, GiantSnowman, Gilliam, Gingerpele, Ginsengbomb,Gittens77, Givern, Gjames017, Glen, GoPurpleNGold24, Godindisguise, Goom, Govvy, Grenadev, Gsmgm, Guest9999, Guido.scalise, Gurch, Gustaf n, Guybecken, Hacii, Halmstad,Haluwing17, HarryHenryGebel, Harthacnut, Hayabusa future, Haza-w, Hcdc83, Healy6991, HeartofaDog, Helianbobo, Helloliizbeth, Heymid, Hhoshy 90, His Royal Airness, Hoising, Hristo.Hr,Hubschrauber729, Humblefool, Husond, Hustler619, ILoveEuropeanFootball, Ia ibu, Iceman 007, Icemanofbarcelona101, Icuryy2, Ihatethegas, IndulgentReader, Infrogmation, Innuendo1899,Ioscius, Iridescent, Irish rule, IrishPete, Irtiza Rizvi, Isaachall777, Isaiahcambron, Isis4563, Itaybm2, Itxia, Izr19, J.delanoy, J0rd1, JForget, JHMM13, JMS Old Al, JNW, Jack, Jacoplane, Jaellee,Jag0000021, Jagged, Jakemendes, Jameboy, Jamesb7701, Jamesooders, Jamiepeel, Japanscot, Javy 19, Jebba, JesseW, Jevansen, Jimbo online, Jimmy Matar, Jinglejo, Jj137, Jmeeter, JoanneB,Joao10Siamun, Joe Bowden, Joeyt209, Jogurney, Johan Elisson, John, John Vandenberg, Johnsatchmo, JongGuk, Jonny001, Jonnyd17, Joowwww, Jor70, Josh Parris, JulianBere, Jusdafax,Jwyeap, KJS77, KSA13, Kaboooz, Kafil14, Kalleponken88, Kallionae, Kaposia Education Center, Kareem101, Karenjc, Kastman28, Katieh5584, Keita24, Keith D, Kemalaysel, Khalidameer,Kilcolgan, Killingthedream, King Ref, King of the North East, Kingpin13, Kinu, Kirkpatrickjay, Kismeth, 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Mcgourlay, Mcluvin, Mcnegox, Mcsee, Meaghan, Mega60, Mentifisto, Merlinme, Messi 1619, Messi-Milito, Messi4life, Michaelbusch, Michaelnwude, MicroX,Migsythebest, Mihir.pant, Mike-hilal, Mikemor92, Mimo141022, Minfo, Mitzah69, Mixi10, Mizee, Mkeranat, Mma113, Mmoneypenny, Mohaimin13, Moin 12345, MontanNito, Moonknight31,Mosmof, Moxsa2004, Mr Rookles, Mr. Wheely Guy, Mrhoopy, Muchness, Muntuwandi, Mxcatania, Myrmecophagous, Mysdaao, Mysterio Juniors, Mzamp19, N2e, N5iln, NHRHS2010,Nads456, Nanouk, Nastooh, NawlinWiki, Nedman, Neil Warnock, Neiljbradley, Netalarm, Newone, Ngchikit, Nhan Luong, NickBush24, Nico Seamons, NicoVW, Nifky?, Nihiltres, Nikamardaleishvili, Nithuwiki, Nmb123, Nneonneo, NorwegianBlue, Notinasnaid, Nukes4Tots, Nv8200p, Oasisfanman, Ojb500, OllieFury, Omar77, Omy808, Ondog, Oompaloompa500, Openskye,Orangina2, Oscar2996, Oscarthecat, Oxymoron83, Oysterguitarist, Ozanozan, PMDrive1061, Pablo-flores, Pagasaeus, Palffy, Papuass, Paralympiakos, PatoMilan, Patrinho10, Paul 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Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:Lionel Messi 2009.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lionel_Messi_2009.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: МысякинАлександрFile:Barcelona vs Rangers.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Barcelona_vs_Rangers.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: Archibald99, Crazy Ivan, Ecemaml, 2anonymous editsFile:Lionel Messi goal 19abr2007.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lionel_Messi_goal_19abr2007.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5 Contributors: User:Darz MolFile:Messi 22 Sep 07 v Sevilla.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Messi_22_Sep_07_v_Sevilla.JPG  License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0  Contributors: DuncanGilesFile:Lionel Messi 31mar2007.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lionel_Messi_31mar2007.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors:User:Darz MolFile:Lionel Messi Joan Gamper Trophy.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lionel_Messi_Joan_Gamper_Trophy.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Contributors: Tsutomu TakasuFile:Messi in Copa America 2007.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Messi_in_Copa_America_2007.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 Contributors: B1mbo, Edub, FlickreviewR, 1 anonymous editsFile:Messi olympics-soccer-7.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Messi_olympics-soccer-7.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0  Contributors:Andre KiwitzFile:Flag of Croatia.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Croatia.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: AnyFile, Argo Navis, Denelson83, Denniss, Dijxtra,Klemen Kocjancic, Kseferovic, Minestrone, Multichill, Neoneo13, Nightstallion, O, PatríciaR, Platonides, R-41, Rainman, Reisio, Rocket000, Suradnik13, Zicera, Zscout370, 5 anonymous editsFile:Flag of Serbia and Montenegro.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Serbia_and_Montenegro.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:Zscout370File:Flag of Algeria.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Algeria.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:SKoppFile:Flag of Peru.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Peru.svg  License: unknown  Contributors: User:Dbenbenn, User:Dbenbenn, User:Dbenbenn

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 18

File:Flag of Mexico.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Mexico.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:AlexCovarrubias, User:Zscout370File:Flag of Venezuela.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Venezuela.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Bastique, Denelson83, George McFinnigan,Herbythyme, Homo lupus, Huhsunqu, Infrogmation, Klemen Kocjancic, Ludger1961, Neq00, Nightstallion, Reisio, ThomasPusch, Vzb83, Wikisole, Zscout370, 9 anonymous editsFile:Flag of Colombia.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Colombia.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:SKoppFile:Flag of Uruguay.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Uruguay.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Fry1989, Homo lupus, Huhsunqu, Kineto007,Klemen Kocjancic, Kookaburra, Lorakesz, Mattes, Neq00, Nightstallion, Pumbaa80, Reisio, ThomasPusch, Zscout370, 5 anonymous editsFile:Flag of France.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_France.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:SKopp, User:SKopp, User:SKopp, User:SKopp,User:SKopp, User:SKoppFile:Flag of Spain.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Spain.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Pedro A. Gracia Fajardo, escudo de Manual de ImagenInstitucional de la Administración General del Estado

LicenseCreative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unportedhttp:/ / creativecommons. org/ licenses/ by-sa/ 3. 0/