Finding reliable information about Lionel Messi’s career timeline can be challenging. This article answers how long Messi has been playing football, providing a detailed overview of his career milestones. Read on to discover insights into his incredible journey, with information sourced from reputable sources.
What Age Did Lionel Messi Start Playing Football Professionally?
Lionel Messi began his professional football career at the age of 17, in the 2004–05 season with FC Barcelona. Since then, he has become one of the most celebrated and decorated football players in history.
Lionel Messi’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Humble Beginnings in Rosario, Argentina
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. From a young age, his passion for football was evident. In 1995, he joined the youth team of Newell’s Old Boys, a Rosario-based top-division football club. His exceptional skills quickly drew attention from prestigious clubs across the globe.
Moving to Barcelona: A Pivotal Moment
At the age of 13, Messi and his family made a life-changing move to Barcelona, Spain. He joined FC Barcelona’s under-14 team and rapidly progressed through the ranks. Messi’s talent was undeniable, and he soon found himself on the path to professional football.
Lionel Messi in Barcelona, August 2016
The Start of a Legendary Career
In the 2004–05 season, at just 17 years old, Messi made his official debut with FC Barcelona. He became the youngest player to ever play and score in the Spanish La Liga. His impact was immediate, showcasing his strength, balance, and versatility on the field, despite his height of 5 feet 7 inches and weight of 148 pounds.
Lionel Messi’s Club Career Timeline
FC Barcelona (2004-2021): The Golden Years
Early Seasons and Breakthroughs
From 2004 to 2008, Messi steadily improved, becoming a key player for Barcelona. In 2006, he won his first Champions League title. By 2009, he was recognized as one of the best players in the world, finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Treble-Winning Season: 2008-09
The 2008–09 season was a landmark year for Messi and FC Barcelona. The team achieved its first “treble,” winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. Messi scored 38 goals in 51 matches and won his first Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
Continued Success and Record-Breaking Achievements
From 2009 to 2012, Messi continued to dominate. He led Barcelona to multiple La Liga titles and Champions League victories. In 2012, he broke the record for single-season goals in a major European football league with 73 goals, earning his fourth consecutive world player of the year award.
Later Years with Barcelona
Messi continued to achieve remarkable success, leading Barcelona to another treble in the 2014–15 season and securing numerous La Liga and Copa del Rey titles. By the end of his Barcelona career in 2021, he had set numerous records, including being the all-time leading scorer in La Liga with 474 goals.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023): A New Chapter
In 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), teaming up with superstars Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. He helped PSG win the Ligue 1 title in both of his seasons with the team.
Inter Miami (2023-Present): Expanding Horizons
In 2023, Messi made a significant move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). In his first full season in 2024, he scored 20 goals and was named the league’s MVP.
Lionel Messi’s International Career
Early International Success
Messi has been a vital part of Argentina’s national teams since 2005. He played in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and represented Argentina in the 2006 World Cup. In 2008, he won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
Argentina celebrating its 2022 World Cup victory
World Cup and Copa América Achievements
2014 World Cup
Messi led Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final, where they lost to Germany. Despite the loss, he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Copa América Success
In 2016, Messi broke Gabriel Batistuta’s Argentine scoring record. He later led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América, earning another Golden Ball award.
2022 World Cup Victory
The pinnacle of Messi’s international career came in the 2022 World Cup. He guided Argentina to victory, scoring two goals in the final against France. He won his second Golden Ball, becoming the first male player to receive the award twice.
Lionel Messi’s Awards and Recognition
Ballon d’Or Awards
Messi has won a record-setting eight Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing him as the world’s top male player in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
FIFA World Player of the Year
He has also been named FIFA World Player of the Year multiple times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Other Notable Awards
Messi has received numerous other awards, including the Golden Shoe, Golden Ball (at multiple tournaments), and MVP awards in various leagues. In 2025, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Joe Biden.
Lionel Messi’s Impact and Legacy
On-Field Brilliance
Messi is renowned for his exceptional skills, including his quick, precise control of the ball, keen pass distribution, and ability to navigate through packed defenses. His left-footed prowess and versatility have made him a formidable player in any position.
Off-Field Influence
Off the field, Messi is a global icon, with endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas. His influence extends beyond sports, making him a role model for aspiring athletes and fans worldwide.
Key Statistics in Lionel Messi’s Football Career
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Debut | 2004-05 season with FC Barcelona |
| Clubs Played For | FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami |
| Ballon d’Or Awards | 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023) |
| World Cup | Won in 2022 |
| Copa América | Won in 2021 |
| La Liga Titles | Multiple titles with FC Barcelona |
| Ligue 1 Titles | Won with Paris Saint-Germain |
| MLS MVP | 2024 with Inter Miami |
Answering Your Questions About Lionel Messi’s Career
How many years has Messi been playing soccer?
As of 2025, Lionel Messi has been playing professional football for approximately 21 years, starting in the 2004–05 season.
What age was Messi when he started playing professionally?
Lionel Messi was 17 years old when he began his professional football career.
How long did Messi play for Barcelona?
Messi played for FC Barcelona from 2004 to 2021, totaling 17 seasons with the club.
When did Messi join Inter Miami?
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, marking a new chapter in his career in Major League Soccer.
Conclusion: Lionel Messi’s Enduring Legacy
Lionel Messi’s journey in football has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days in Rosario to becoming a global icon, his career spans over two decades of remarkable achievements. His impact on the sport is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of football fans.
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FAQ: Lionel Messi’s Football Career
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When did Lionel Messi start playing professional football?
Lionel Messi began his professional career in the 2004–05 season.
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What clubs has Lionel Messi played for?
He has played for FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.
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How many Ballon d’Or awards has Messi won?
Lionel Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
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When did Messi win the World Cup?
Messi won the World Cup in 2022 with Argentina.
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How long did Messi play for FC Barcelona?
Messi played for FC Barcelona for 17 seasons, from 2004 to 2021.
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When did Messi join Paris Saint-Germain?
Messi joined PSG in 2021.
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What is Lionel Messi’s playing style?
He is known for his quick, precise control of the ball, keen pass distribution, and left-footed prowess.
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What is Lionel Messi’s height and weight?
Lionel Messi is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 148 pounds.
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What is Messi’s legacy in football?
Messi is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, with numerous records and awards.
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When did Messi join Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023.
