Lionel Messi, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. Known for his incredible skill, agility, and goal-scoring ability, Messi has had an illustrious career primarily with FC Barcelona, where he became the club's all-time leading goal scorer. Messi's journey to football stardom began in his hometown, where he showcased exceptional talent at a young age. He joined Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, at 13, and quickly rose through the ranks to make his first-team debut in 2004. Throughout his career, Messi has won numerous awards, including multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or titles, which recognize the world's best player. His playing style is marked by precise dribbling, quick acceleration, and an uncanny ability to navigate through defenses. In addition to his success with Barcelona, Messi has made significant contributions to the Argentina national team, winning the Copa America in 2021. Off the field, Messi is known for his philanthropic work and humble demeanor, making him not only a football icon but also a respected figure globally.

• June 24, 1987: Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini was born in Rosario, Argentina.
• March 30, 1994: Messi joined Newell's Old Boys at the age of six and played for this team for about six years. While he was at the youth club, he scored over 500 goals.
• December 14, 2000: Messi and his family relocated to the city of Barcelona in Spain. The family moved into an apartment that was very close to Barcelona's football team's stadium, Camp Nou.
• February 2, 2002: Messi became a student at Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia. In February 2002, he was officially enrolled in the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
• February 4, 2004: Messi signed his first professional contract on 4 February 2004, which lasted until 2012 and contained an initial buyout clause of €30 million.
• October 16, 2004: Messi made his first appearance in a match against FC Porto.
• July 24, 2005: On his 18th birthday, Messi landed his first contract as a senior team player. The contract was completed on June 24, 2005. The contract outlined that he would be an official player with the Barcelona football club until 2010. His buyout clause was set at a whopping €150 million.
• May 17, 2006: Messi achieved his first champions league.
• August 23, 2008: Messi had the privilege of playing at the Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics which was held in Beijing and a number of other cities in the People's Republic of China. With Messi as a key player, Argentina won the tournament.
• May 27, 2009: Messi won the 2009 UEFA Champions League with Barcelona. The winner of the match was Barcelona. They defeated Manchester United 2-0. Lionel Messi scored the final goal of the match.
• December 01, 2009: Lionel Messi was awarded his very first Ballon d'Or.
• January 10, 2011: Messi received his second consecutive Ballon d'Or
• January 7, 2013: Messi was awarded his fourth Ballon d'Or
• January 11, 2016: Messi was awarded his fifth Ballon d'Or
• December 03, 2019: Messi was awarded his sixth Ballon d'Or
• September 29, 2020: Lionel Messi was declared the Most Marketable Athlete of 2020. His rival, Cristiano Ronaldo finished at the second spot on the list. The two are on the list ahead of other major athletes like Lebron James and Virat Kohli. 
• August 10, 2021: After joining Barcelona at age 13 and 35 trophies won, Messi completed a free transfer at French club Paris Saint-Germain, following the expiration of his contract at Barcelona. Messi chose 30 as his squad number, which was the number he wore on his Barcelona debut in 2003.
• November 29, 2021: On 29 November 2021 Messi won his seventh Ballon d'Or. He helped the Argentina win the 2021 Copa America and he scored 40 goals for club and national team in all competitions.
• June 01, 2022: Argentina won against Italy with 3-0 in the 2022 Finalissima at Wembley. This final, which pitted the winner of the European championship against the winner of the Copa America, Messi was once again decisive, with two assists and was named player of the match.
• 18 December 2022: In the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Messi made his record 26th World Cup finals appearance at Lusail Stadium.Messi scored Argentina's opening goal with a penalty but after Argentina's eventual two-goal lead was erased by France forward Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice inside two minutes, Messi would score again in extra-time to restore Argentina's lead, before Mbappé again drew France level. Tied 3-3 after extra-time, the match went to a penalty shoot-out. Messi scored Argentina's first goal in the shoot-out, with Argentina eventually winning 4-2, ending the nation's 36-year wait for the trophy. Messi, who broke many records in the tournament also won the Golden Ball as the best player with 7 goals and 3 assists.
• 15 July 2023: Lionel Messi signed for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. Messi signed a two-and-a-half seasons contract, with an option to extend for a further year in the 2026 season.