Messi Facts & FAQ
The quick answers fans search for most — age, family, money, and where things stand with the national team.
How old is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He turned 39 in 2026.
How tall is Lionel Messi?
Messi is listed at 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in).
What is Lionel Messi's net worth?
Estimates vary by source and aren't officially disclosed. As of mid-2026, Forbes put his net worth at roughly $1.1 billion, while other outlets estimate closer to $850 million — the gap comes down to how private business stakes and endorsement deals get valued. Either way, he's one of the few athletes to approach billionaire status while still playing.
What is Messi's salary at Inter Miami?
For the 2026 MLS season, Messi's contract carries a $25 million base salary and a $28.3 million cap hit — by far the highest in MLS. His total annual compensation, including sponsorships and a revenue-sharing deal with Apple, has been reported in the $70–80 million range. The extension he signed runs through the 2028 season.
Is Lionel Messi married?
Yes. He married Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood friend from Rosario, in June 2017.
Does Messi have children?
He and Antonela have three sons: Thiago (born 2012), Mateo (born 2015), and Ciro (born 2018).
What nationality is Lionel Messi?
Argentine. He was born and raised in Rosario before moving to Spain as a teenager to join Barcelona's academy.
What is Messi's zodiac sign?
Cancer — his June 24 birthday falls right in the middle of Cancer season.
Has Messi retired from the Argentina national team?
Yes. On August 31, 2026, Messi announced his retirement from international football, shortly after captaining Argentina to the final of the 2026 World Cup — a loss to Spain. In his statement, he also pointed to the recent death of his father, Jorge, as weighing on the decision. His farewell match is scheduled for October 6, 2026, against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
How many trophies has Messi won?
A record 8 Ballon d'Or awards, the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, ten La Liga titles, and more.
How many times have Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo played against each other?
37 times in total: 36 official matches plus one exhibition game. Across the 36 official meetings — 18 Clasicos in La Liga, 6 in the Champions League, 5 in the Copa del Rey, 5 in the Spanish Supercopa, and 2 international friendlies between Argentina and Portugal — Messi's side won 16, Ronaldo's side won 11, and 9 ended level. Messi scored 22 goals in those games; Ronaldo scored 21.
Their first meeting was a Champions League semifinal in April 2008 (Barcelona 0–0 Manchester United); their last official one came in December 2020, when Ronaldo's Juventus beat Messi's Barcelona 3–0 in the Champions League group stage. The only time they shared a team instead of facing off was a 2023 exhibition in Riyadh, where Ronaldo's all-star XI beat Messi's PSG 5–4.