1
Born in Rosario
Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, and started at Newell's Old Boys.
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Football trivia
Lionel Messi facts and curiosities
Data as of 2 November 2026
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time. Here are some of his curiosities and records.
Born in RosarioThe napkin contractEight Ballons d'OrEight Pichichis129 Champions League goalsWorld champion in 2022125 goals for ArgentinaTitles with ArgentinaFrom Barça to Inter Miami
2
The napkin contract
According to the story, in 2000 Barça offered him a contract written on a napkin because of his growth problems. He arrived at La Masia aged 13.
3
Eight Ballons d'Or
He won the Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023, more than any other player.
4
Eight Pichichis
He is the player with the most Pichichi trophies in La Liga: eight.
5
129 Champions League goals
He scored 129 Champions League goals, second all-time behind Cristiano Ronaldo (140).
6
World champion in 2022
He won the Qatar 2022 World Cup with Argentina, after a final against France that ended 3-3 and was decided on penalties. He is the second-highest scorer in World Cup history, with 21.
7
125 goals for Argentina
He is the second-highest international scorer ever, with 125 goals in 207 caps.
8
Titles with Argentina
With Argentina he has won the Copa América (2021 and 2024), the World Cup (2022) and Olympic gold (2008).
9
From Barça to Inter Miami
He left Barcelona in 2021 to join PSG and signed for Inter Miami in 2023, with whom he won the Leagues Cup that same year.
Sources: Wikipedia · Lionel Messi. Data as of 2 November 2026.
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