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Lionel Messi turned 39 this summer yet continues to defy age and expectations, showcasing his brilliance even in the later stages of his extraordinary career.

Currently competing in his sixth World Cup, a journey that began with his debut in the 2006 tournament, Messi is chasing the chance to lift the trophy for a second consecutive time. Alongside that, he remains a strong contender for the Golden Boot award.

This, however, is only a glimpse of Messi’s remarkable career, which has seen him dominate both club and international football for more than two decades.

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina, Lionel Messi began his football journey with Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys. At the age of 14, he moved to Barcelona after his father persuaded then first-team director Carles Rexach to sign him — famously sealing the deal by writing a contract on a napkin.

That move proved historic. Messi would go on to spend 21 years at the Catalan club, becoming Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer and securing a phenomenal collection of titles: 10 La Liga championships, seven Copa del Rey trophies, seven Supercopa de España titles, four UEFA Champions League crowns, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.

In 2021, Messi’s legendary spell at Camp Nou came to an end as he joined French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). During his two-year stay in Paris, he added three more trophies to his collection, including two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophée des Champions.

After his stint in France, Messi crossed the Atlantic to join Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). Since then, he has led the American club to an MLS Cup, a Supporters’ Shield, and a Leagues Cup, while personally contributing 90 goals and 51 assists across 104 appearances.

In recent years, Messi’s international career has taken centre stage. Over the past five years, he has lifted four major international honours — the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles, and the Finalissima. Although the latter is sometimes considered a lesser trophy, it remains part of his glittering record.

Currently representing Inter Miami, Messi stands as the most decorated footballer in history. On an individual level, he has been awarded the Ballon d’Or eight times — an all-time record — including an unprecedented streak of four consecutive wins between 2009 and 2021.

As the 2026 World Cup progresses in North America, Messi and Argentina have reached the quarter-finals, with the captain once again at the forefront. Remarkably, he leads the scoring charts with eight goals in five matches, reminding the world that age is merely a number for one of the greatest to ever play the game.