Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the most successful, most popular and highest-paid footballers. Born and raised in central Argentina, Messi moved to Spain at the age of 13 and joined Barcelona, making his tournament debut at the age of 17 in October 2004. Over the next three years, he established himself as a key player for the club, helping Barcelona achieve their first treble in Spanish football in their first consecutive 2008-09 season. During the 2011–12 season, he set the La Liga and European records for most goals scored in a single season, while establishing himself as Barcelona's all-time top scorer. In the same year, 22-year-old Messi won his first Ballon d'Or. Messi went on to three successful seasons, including winning four Ballon d'Ors in a row, becoming the first player to win four in a row. He is the captain of the Argentina national football team. With a fortune of $400 million, Messi is the second-richest footballer in 2021. Lionel Messi is the only footballer to win five Golden Balls in his career.
Many consider him the god of football. Lionel Messi earns a lot of money from advertising for a variety of brands, including Adidas. He runs a foundation in his name that regularly provides free education and health care to children.
- Date of birth: 24 June 1987
- Net worth: $400 million
