Lionel Messi Then & Now: Photos of the Argentinian Soccer Player Over the Years

Lionel Messi helped lead Argentina to World Cup glory and cemented his legacy as one of soccer’s greatest players. Look back at his life in photos.

Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. The Argentine superstar has spent more than two decades dominating the sport, winning countless trophies and breaking records for both club and country.

In 2021, Messi captained Argentina to victory at the Copa América, ending the nation’s 28-year major trophy drought and securing his first senior international title. He followed that achievement by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping his country capture its first world championship since 1986. Messi later added another international trophy to his résumé when Argentina won the 2024 Copa América.

Before joining MLS club Inter Miami CF in 2023, Messi spent the majority of his legendary career with FC Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. He also played for Paris Saint-Germain F.C. from 2021 to 2023 before moving to Miami.

Born and raised in Argentina, Messi relocated to Spain at age 13 to join Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He made his first-team debut in 2004 at just 17 years old and quickly emerged as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Now Argentina’s all-time leader in appearances and goals, Messi entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the defending champion captain and became the first men’s player to score 18 career World Cup goals, further cementing his place in soccer history.

Scroll through the gallery to see photos of Messi below.

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