Lionel Andrés Messi (born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine professional footballer widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. He plays as a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF and the Argentina national team. A creative playmaker and prolific goalscorer, Messi holds the records for most goals in La Liga (474), most hat-tricks in La Liga (36) and the UEFA Champions League (8), and most assists in football history. His career at FC Barcelona, where he spent 21 years, saw him win a club-record 35 trophies, including ten La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, and seven Copa del Rey titles. Messi's international legacy was cemented by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he captained Argentina to glory and won the Golden Ball for a record second time. He also won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima. In 2023, he made a historic move to Inter Miami CF, instantly transforming the landscape of soccer in the United States. By early 2026, he had led Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup (2025) and Supporters' Shield, validating the "Messi Effect" commercially and competitively. Beyond his stats, Messi is celebrated for his humble demeanor and "magical" style of play—low center of gravity, close control, and vision. He is an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, a six-time European Golden Shoe winner, and an eight-time FIFA World Player of the Year. As of January 2026, he remains the centerpiece of the Argentine squad preparing for the World Cup defense, defying age with his continued elite performance levels.