Childhood and Education Journey of Lionel Messi in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Lionel Messi. A timeline of key moments.

Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He captains both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. He holds records for individual awards, including eight Ballon d'Ors and six European Golden Shoes. In 2025, he was named the All Time Men's World Best Player by the IFFHS. He is the most decorated player in football history with 46 team trophies. Messi holds records for goals in a calendar year (91), goals for a single club, La Liga goals (474), international assists (61), World Cup goal contributions (21), and Copa América goal contributions (32). A prolific scorer and playmaker, he has over 890 senior career goals and 400 assists, totaling over 1,300 goal contributions, the most in football history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1978: Jorge Messi's Marriage

In 1978, Jorge Messi married Celia Cuccittini upon completing military service.

June 1987: Lionel Messi Born

In June 1987, Lionel Andrés Messi was born in Argentina, and is regarded as one of the greatest players in history.

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June 1987: Messi Born in Rosario

On June 24, 1987, Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina.

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February 2001: Messi's Family Relocates to Barcelona

In February 2001, Messi's family relocated to Barcelona, moving into an apartment near Camp Nou.

2004: Charitable Efforts with UNICEF

Since 2004, Messi has contributed his time and finances to UNICEF, underscoring his long-term commitment to helping vulnerable children.

2005: Ronaldinho's comment on Messi's prodigious talent

Shortly after teammate Ronaldinho won the 2005 Ballon d'Or, he commented, "I'm not even the best at Barça" in reference to his 18-year-old protégé Messi, recognizing Messi's prodigious talent as a teenager.

2006: Messi Endorses Adidas

Since 2006, Messi has endorsed sportswear company Adidas.

2007: Establishment of Leo Messi Foundation

In 2007, Messi founded the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports access to health care, education, and sport for children, demonstrating his dedication to charitable causes.

2007: First competitive matchup against Ronaldo

In 2008, the first competitive matchup between Messi and Ronaldo occurred in the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, with Ronaldo's Manchester United advancing.

2008: Messi and Maradona worked together as player and manager

From 2008 through the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Messi and Maradona worked together as player and manager for Argentina's national side.

2008: Beginning of relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo

In 2008, Messi began his relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo.

2008: First competitive matchup against Ronaldo

In 2008, the first competitive matchup between Messi and Ronaldo occurred in the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League semi-finals, with Ronaldo's Manchester United advancing.

January 2009: Confirmation of romance with Antonela Roccuzzo

In January 2009, Messi first confirmed his romance with Antonela Roccuzzo in an interview, after keeping their relationship private for a year.

2009: Champions League final win against Ronaldo

In 2009, Messi and Barcelona emerged victorious against Ronaldo and Manchester United in the Champions League final with a 2–0 result.

March 2010: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In March 2010, Messi became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, formalizing his long-standing commitment to charitable efforts aimed at vulnerable children.

2010: Maradona gave Messi number 10 shirt

From 2008 through the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Messi and Maradona worked together as player and manager for Argentina's national side.

2011: Messi Listed in Time 100

In 2011, Messi was included in the Time 100, an annual list recognizing the world's most influential people, highlighting his global impact and recognition.

2011: Gold Replica Foot Fundraiser

In 2013, a gold replica of Messi's left foot, valued at $5.3 million, went on sale in Japan to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, marking a unique fundraising effort.

June 2012: Pregnancy celebration and confirmation

On June 2, 2012, to celebrate his partner's first pregnancy, Messi placed the ball under his shirt after scoring in Argentina's 4–0 win against Ecuador. He then confirmed the pregnancy in an interview two weeks later.

November 2012: Birth of Thiago Messi

On November 2, 2012, Thiago Messi, Messi's first son, was born in Barcelona.

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2012: End of public feud with Newell's Old Boys

By 2012, Messi's public feud with Newell's Old Boys had ended, with the club embracing their ties with him and even issuing a club membership card to his newborn son.

2012: Messi Listed in Time 100

In 2012, Messi was included in the Time 100, an annual list recognizing the world's most influential people, highlighting his global impact and recognition.

November 2013: Publicity Campaign with Son Thiago

In November 2013, Messi and his son Thiago participated in a publicity campaign to raise awareness of mortality rates among disadvantaged children, continuing Messi's commitment to UNICEF.

2013: Gold Replica Foot Fundraiser

In 2013, a gold replica of Messi's left foot, valued at $5.3 million, went on sale in Japan to raise funds for victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, marking a unique fundraising effort.

April 2015: Confirmation of second child

In April 2015, Messi confirmed that he and Roccuzzo were expecting another child.

2016: Messi announces international retirement

In 2016, Messi initially announced his international retirement.

June 2017: Marriage to Antonela Roccuzzo

On June 30, 2017, Messi married Antonela Roccuzzo in their hometown of Rosario.

October 2017: Announcement of third child

In October 2017, Messi's wife announced that they were expecting their third child.

2017: Continued rivalry against Ronaldo

From 2009–10 to 2017–18, Messi faced Ronaldo at least twice every season in El Clásico, among the world's most viewed annual sports events.

2018: Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus

In the summer of 2018, Ronaldo transferred to Juventus, marking a change in the frequent matchups between him and Messi.

2019: Change in Perception of Messi Among Argentines

In 2019, there was a shift in how Argentines perceived Messi, with him making a conscious effort to be "more one of the group, more Argentine". He became more assertive as a leader during the 2019 Copa América, singing the national anthem and engaging with journalists more frequently.

2020: Final competitive match against Ronaldo

During a 2020–21 UEFA Champions League group stage match, Ronaldo's two goals from the penalty spot helped Juventus to a 3–0 victory against Messi's Barcelona in their final competitive match.

2022: Auction of World Cup Shirts

In December 2023, a set of shirts Messi had worn during the 2022 World Cup was sold at auction for $7.8 million.

March 2023: Messi Mobbed by Fans in Buenos Aires

On March 20, 2023, Messi was mobbed by hundreds of adoring fans during a return to Buenos Aires following his World Cup victory. Police assistance was required to help him return to his car.

April 2023: Featured in Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala, India

In April 2023, Messi was featured in the 200 year old Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala, India, where umbrellas carrying the illuminated cut outs of Messi holding the World Cup trophy were displayed on the top of caparisoned elephants during the Kudamattam ceremony.

December 2023: Auction of World Cup Shirts

In December 2023, a set of shirts Messi had worn during the 2022 World Cup was sold at auction for $7.8 million.

2023: Messi Listed in Time 100

In 2023, Messi was included in the Time 100, an annual list recognizing the world's most influential people, highlighting his global impact and recognition.

February 2024: Controversy in Hong Kong Exhibition Match

In February 2024, during an exhibition match in Hong Kong, Messi remained on the bench the entire game, leading to backlash in Hong Kong and China. A Messi commercial was taken off air, and the Chinese Football Association temporarily halted its partnership with the Argentine Football Association.

June 2024: Release announcement of Más+

On June 4, 2024, Messi announced the release of Más+, an American brand of sports and energy drinks, created due to not finding a flavourful and healthy hydration option that suited his needs. The drink was teased to debut in Miami, Florida, on June 13, 2024.

September 2024: Announcement of 525 Rosario production company launch

On September 19, 2024, Messi announced the launch of a production company called 525 Rosario, named after his hometown. The company will produce film, sporting events and branded commercials for athletes worldwide.