Lionel Messi Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 15, 2025
Few names in sports history resonate with the same reverence, awe, and admiration as Lionel Messi.
Universally hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s journey—from a frail, growth hormone-deficient boy in Rosario, Argentina, to a global icon and FIFA World Cup champion—is a story of extraordinary talent, relentless perseverance, and timeless legacy.
Then: The Humble Beginnings – A Star Forged in Adversity (1987–2004)
1. A Child with a Dream in Rosario
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Andrés Messi showed signs of football genius from an early age.
By the time he was five, he was already dazzling on local pitches for Grandoli, a small neighborhood club coached by his father, Jorge Messi.
His dribbling, vision, and close ball control were far beyond his years. But his path to greatness was anything but guaranteed.
At age 10, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that required expensive daily treatments—over $1,000 per month—a cost his family, working-class employees in a steel factory, could not afford.
2. The Move to Barcelona: A Lifeline
In 2000, scouts from FC Barcelona watched Messi play and were stunned by his talent. The club offered to sign him and, crucially, cover his medical treatment. At just 13 years old, Messi moved to Spain with his father, leaving behind his mother and siblings due to financial and visa constraints.
He joined La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy, where his meteoric rise began.
Coaches quickly realized they had something special: a player with the agility of a dancer, the precision of a surgeon, and the heart of a warrior.
3. Debut and Early Stardom (2004–2008)
Lionel Messi made his first-team debut for FC Barcelona on October 16, 2004, at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player to appear for the club in La Liga at the time.
Though injuries initially slowed his ascent, by 2006, he was a key part of the squad that won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
By 2008, with the departure of Ronaldinho, Messi inherited the number 10 jersey—a sacred number in football history—and began his transformation into the team’s undisputed leader.
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The Golden Era: Messi the Magician (2009–2021)
1. Unprecedented Success with FC Barcelona
From 2009 to 2021, Lionel Messi delivered a period of footballing brilliance that may never be matched.
Playing as a false nine, winger, or attacking midfielder, Messi combined speed, intelligence, and supernatural ball control to dominate world football.
During this era, he achieved:
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles (2006, 2009, 2011, 2015)
- 10 La Liga titles
- 7 Copa del Rey trophies
- Numerous domestic and international honors
Lionel Messi formed a legendary attacking trio with Xavi and Iniesta, orchestrating Barcelona’s tiki-taka dominance and becoming the heartbeat of one of the greatest club teams in history.
2. Record-Breaking Individual Achievements
Messi’s individual accolades are staggering:
- 8 Ballon d’Or awards (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) – the most in history
- All-time top scorer for a single club (672 goals for Barcelona)
- Most goals in a calendar year (91 goals in 2013 – a Guinness World Record)
- Most goals in La Liga history (474)
- Only player to score 50+ goals in five different seasons
His ability to score from anywhere—free kicks, long-range rockets, delicate chip shots—and his unparalleled assist numbers (over 300 for Barcelona) made him a complete offensive force.
3. The Weight of a Nation: Argentina’s Longing for Glory
Despite his club dominance, Messi faced relentless criticism from some quarters for not winning a major international trophy with Argentina.
He reached four finals with the national team—three Copa América (2007, 2015, 2016) and the 2014 FIFA World Cup—but lost them all, often amid heartbreaking circumstances.
Critics questioned his leadership and passion. But fans and peers alike recognized his loyalty and heart. He even briefly retired from international football in 2016 before returning, driven by love for his country.
Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Then and Now
Now: The Final Chapters – From PSG to Inter Miami and World Cup Glory (2021–2025)
1. Departure from Barcelona – An Emotional Goodbye
In August 2021, in a move that shocked the football world, Messi left FC Barcelona due to the club’s severe financial crisis.
Despite a verbal agreement on a new contract, La Liga rules prevented registration, forcing the club to let go of its greatest ever player.
It was a tearful farewell. Messi stated:
“I wanted to stay, but it was not possible.”
2. Paris Saint-Germain and a New Chapter (2021–2023)
Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), teaming up with Neymar and, briefly, Kylian Mbappé. While his time in Paris was marked by injuries and adaptation challenges, he still delivered moments of magic:
- Over 30 goals and 30 assists in two seasons
- Helped PSG win two Ligue 1 titles
- Continued to break records in European competitions
Though the Champions League dream eluded him in Paris, his presence elevated the club’s global brand and inspired a new generation.
3. The Ultimate Redemption: 2022 FIFA World Cup Champion
The defining moment of Messi’s career came in December 2022, at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
At age 35, in what many believed was his last chance, Messi led Argentina to their first World Cup victory in 36 years.
He was the heartbeat of the team:
- Scored 7 goals and 3 assists in the tournament
- Won Player of the Match in three knockout games
- Lifted the trophy after a dramatic final against France, widely considered the greatest World Cup final ever
When the final whistle blew, Messi collapsed to his knees in tears—a lifetime of pressure, expectation, and longing finally fulfilled.
He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, cementing his legacy as a complete champion.
4. Inter Miami and the MLS Chapter (2023–Present)
In July 2023, Lionel Messi made a surprising but strategic move to Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS), joining forces with fellow Argentine stars Julián Álvarez and Sergio Busquets, and later Luis Suárez.
Despite skepticism about “going to the U.S. to retire,” Messi immediately transformed the club:
- Scored on his debut
- Led Inter Miami to win the 2023 Leagues Cup – the club’s first-ever trophy
- Broke MLS attendance and viewership records
- Sparked a football boom in the United States
His arrival, dubbed “Messi Mania,” brought unprecedented attention to American soccer, proving that his star power transcends leagues and continents.
Related: Kevin De Bruyne Then and Now
Legacy and Cultural Impact
1. Redefining Greatness
Lionel Messi’s legacy is not just about trophies or goals—it’s about elegance, consistency, humility, and longevity.
Unlike many athletes who rely on physical dominance, Messi conquered the game through intelligence, precision, and artistry.
He is often compared to legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo, but his style is uniquely his own—low to the ground, always in control, dancing past defenders with effortless grace.
2. A Role Model Beyond Football
Off the pitch, Messi is known for his modesty, family values, and philanthropy. Through the Leo Messi Foundation, he supports access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children around the world.
He is a devoted family man—married to childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo, with three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
3. Global Icon and Brand Power
Messi is one of the most marketable athletes in the world, with partnerships including:
- Adidas (lifetime contract)
- Copa Airlines
- Kia
- Mastercard
- PlayStation
His influence extends into fashion, media, and pop culture—appearing in films, documentaries (“Messi”, 2014), and even video games as a perennial cover star.
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Conclusion: Lionel Messi – Then and Now
- Then: A 13-year-old boy from Rosario, carrying a medical report and a dream, stepping off a plane in Barcelona with a football in his hand.
- Now: A World Cup champion, 8-time Ballon d’Or winner, and universally recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Lionel Messi’s journey is more than a sports story—it’s a human one. It’s about overcoming illness, adapting to pressure, enduring criticism, and rising with grace. It’s about staying true to your roots while conquering the world.
As he continues to play in Miami, delighting fans with moments of magic, one truth remains:
Lionel Messi isn’t just a footballer.
He is football.
And his legacy—etched in records, trophies, and the hearts of millions—will endure for generations.
⚽ “I’ve always believed that with hard work, humility, and faith, anything is possible.” – Lionel Messi
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