Lionel “Leo” Messi is a professional soccer (football) player from Argentina. He plays as a forward and is captain of both the Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina National Team. He has scored and assisted in over 1300 goals, the most of any professional soccer player in history. 

Born in 1987 in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina, Messi joined the local soccer club at the age of 4, where he was coached by his father. He began playing for the Newell’s Old Boys’ football club in Rosario when he was 7. He scored almost 500 goals during his 6 years playing on the team. 

Making his professional debut for Barcelona at the age of 17, Messi quickly established himself as a strong player. In the 2008-2009 season, he helped Barcelona achieve their first treble in Spanish football at the age of 22. Messi also won a gold medal for Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. 

Messi has set many records throughout his career, including 8 Ballon d’Ors and 6 European Golden Shoes. He has been named “world’s best player” by FIFA 8 times. With 46 team trophies, Messi is also one of the most decorated professional players. He is widely regarded as one of the best soccer players of all time.