Lionel Messi is a name synonymous with footballing brilliance. Fans across the globe admire his unmatched skill, mesmerizing dribbling, and consistent goal-scoring prowess. But for those new to the sport or simply curious, a common question arises: How Old Is Messi?
Born on June 24, 1987, Lionel Andrés Messi is currently 37 years old as of late 2024. Despite nearing his late thirties, an age when many footballers consider retirement, Messi continues to defy expectations, playing at an elite level and adding to his already legendary career. His enduring passion for the game, combined with exceptional talent and dedication, makes his age seem almost irrelevant on the pitch.
Messi lifting the World Cup trophy for Argentina in 2022 at age 35, showcasing his enduring world-class talent.
From Rosario Prodigy to Barcelona Starlet (A Young Age of Promise)
Messi’s journey began in Rosario, Argentina, where his talent was evident from a very young age. He joined Newell’s Old Boys’ youth system in 1995 at the tender age of eight. Even as a child, his exceptional abilities set him apart. By the age of 13, his reputation had crossed the Atlantic, attracting the attention of FC Barcelona. This pivotal moment led to his family’s relocation to Barcelona, and at just 13 years old, Messi joined FC Barcelona’s under-14 team. His impact was immediate and impactful, scoring 21 goals in just 14 games for the junior team, signaling the arrival of a future superstar even before reaching his teenage years. He rapidly progressed through the ranks, making his informal debut for FC Barcelona’s first team in a friendly match at the astonishing age of 16.
Breaking Records and Conquering Europe in His Prime (Years of Dominance)
The 2004-05 season marked Messi’s official debut in professional football. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest player to officially represent and score for FC Barcelona in La Liga, Spain’s top football league. Despite his relatively small stature for a footballer – 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) – his strength, balance, and incredible versatility shone brightly. His left-footed magic, speed, and precise ball control made him a nightmare for defenders. He quickly established himself as a key player for Barcelona.
By 2008, at the age of 21, Messi was already recognized as one of the best players globally, finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting. The following year, 2009, at 22 years old, marked the beginning of his Ballon d’Or reign, winning the first of a record-setting eight awards. This period saw Barcelona achieve their first “treble” in the 2008-09 season – winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League – with Messi playing a pivotal role, scoring 38 goals in 51 matches. He continued his dominance into his late twenties and early thirties, consistently breaking records and leading Barcelona to numerous titles.
In March 2012, at 24 years old, Messi became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer in La Liga, having already netted 233 goals. The 2011-12 season was particularly remarkable, with Messi scoring an astounding 73 goals across all competitions, breaking Gerd Müller’s 39-year-old record for single-season goals in a major European league. He secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive world player of the year award in 2012, solidifying his place as a football icon in his mid-twenties. Throughout his twenties and early thirties, Messi continued to amass Ballon d’Or awards, Champions League titles, and La Liga championships, etching his name into football history while still considered to be in his prime.
Lionel Messi holding one of his record eight Ballon d’Or awards in 2016, recognizing him as the world’s best player.
New Challenges and Continued Glory in Later Years (Age is Just a Number)
After a legendary career at Barcelona, Messi embarked on a new chapter at age 34, joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021. Even in his mid-thirties, he seamlessly adapted to a new league and team, contributing to PSG’s Ligue 1 title wins in both seasons he played for the club. Many players might see a decline in performance in their mid-thirties, but Messi remained a crucial attacking force.
In 2023, at the age of 36, Messi made another significant career move, joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). His arrival in MLS generated immense excitement, and he quickly demonstrated his enduring quality, scoring 20 goals in the 2024 season and being named the league’s MVP. This achievement at 36 years old further cements his status as a player who can excel at the highest levels even as he approaches his late thirties.
Perhaps one of Messi’s most significant achievements in his later career came on the international stage. Despite numerous individual accolades, a major trophy with Argentina eluded him for many years. However, at the age of 34, he captained Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América, finally ending the nation’s long wait for a major international title. Then, at 35 years old, Messi led Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, arguably the pinnacle of his career. His outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him his second Golden Ball award, becoming the first male player to achieve this feat twice. Winning the World Cup at 35 solidified his legacy and silenced any remaining doubts about his place among the greatest footballers of all time, proving that age is truly just a number when it comes to Lionel Messi’s extraordinary talent and impact on the game.
Conclusion: Messi’s Age-Defying Legacy
So, how old is Lionel Messi? He is 37 years old, but his age is merely a number in the context of his phenomenal and ongoing career. From his youthful beginnings in Rosario to his current triumphs in MLS and his historic World Cup victory, Messi has consistently defied expectations and redefined what’s possible in football. His dedication, skill, and passion have allowed him to maintain an elite level of performance well into his late thirties. As he continues to play and inspire, Lionel Messi’s story serves as a testament to his timeless brilliance and enduring legacy as a footballing legend, regardless of his age.
Lionel Messi smiling during the World Cup 2022, showcasing his joy and passion for football at 35 years old.
