Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional football player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

He was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.

Messi began playing football at a young age and was quickly recognized as a prodigious talent.

He joined the youth team of his local club, Newell's Old Boys, and soon caught the attention of scouts from FC Barcelona.

Messi moved to Barcelona at the age of 13 and quickly rose through the ranks of the club's youth system.

He made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at the age of 17 and has since become the club's all-time leading scorer.

Messi is known for his incredible dribbling ability, close control, and his ability to score from almost any position on the field.

He has won numerous individual awards throughout his career, including seven Ballon d'Or awards, which are given annually to the world's best player.

Messi has also won numerous team honors with Barcelona, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

In addition to his success with Barcelona, Messi has also had a successful international career with the Argentina national team.

He has helped Argentina win numerous titles, including the Copa America and the Olympic gold medal.

Messi's style of play has been compared to that of his compatriot Diego Maradona, who is also considered one of the greatest football players of all time.

Off the field, Messi is known for his charitable work, particularly through his foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children in need.

Messi has also been involved in several high-profile commercial endorsements, including with companies such as Adidas and PepsiCo.

Despite his success and fame, Messi is known for his humility and is widely respected by fans and fellow players alike.