At 39 years old, [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/haaland-enfrenta-mbappe-no-duelo-decisivo-entre-noruega-e-franca/) continues to defy all expectations and rewrite the history of world football, leading the list of top scorers in the World Cup with five goals in just two group stage matches. Despite being advanced in age by elite football standards, the Argentine star shows no signs of slowing down and remains a key player for the national team, which is seeking to defend its title as world champion.
Messi celebrated his 39th birthday this Wednesday, at a time when Argentina has already secured its place in the knockout stage of the World Cup. The captain now has six appearances in World Cup finals, becoming one of the few players to achieve such a feat. His career is marked by unparalleled records: eight Ballon d’Or awards, twelve national championships between Spain and France, an impressive total of 91 goals in a single season (2012), and 28 matches played in World Cups, more than any other player in the history of the competition.
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The impact of Messi transcends football within the four lines. The Argentine number 10 is not only an inspiration for millions of fans around the world, but he has also become a symbol of perseverance and overcoming adversity. Diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 10, Messi was rejected by several clubs due to his size and the cost of treatment. However, Barcelona did not hesitate to invest in the young prodigy, signing a contract on a simple napkin when he was just 13 years old. The rest is history: at 17, he made his debut for the Catalan first team and, since then, has built a career filled with historic achievements.
For many, Messi is the greatest player of all time, not only for his statistics but for his decisive influence in moments of highest pressure. His evolution to claim the iconic number 10 jersey of Barcelona, inherited from Ronaldinho, and the way he has always let his football speak louder than words have fueled the global fascination surrounding his figure. “I have never been a vocal leader; I do my work on the pitch,” Messi confessed in an interview before the World Cup, emphasizing his humility and focus on the collective.
Records keep piling up: in addition to his eight Ballon d’Or awards (more than any other player, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who has five), Messi is the only player in history to win the World Cup Ballon d’Or twice (2014 and 2022). In 2012, he surprised the world by scoring 91 goals in 69 matches, surpassing the legendary Gerd Müller. With 12 national championship titles – ten with Barcelona and two with Paris Saint-Germain – Messi maintains an unmatched success rate among the European elite.
Despite being right-footed, the overwhelming majority of his goals have been scored with his left foot, making him one of the most feared left-footed players in football. Interestingly, Messi has never scored a goal in the first minute of a match, but he has celebrated in every other regulation minute. His ritual of pointing to the sky after each goal is a tribute to his grandmother Celia, a key figure in the beginning of his career: “She always took me to training; I owe her everything,” the star revealed in an interview.
His relationship with the Argentine national team has also been marked by ups and downs. After losing the Copa América final in 2016, he announced his retirement from the national team, but he succumbed to the pressure from fans and returned to lead the team in the 2018 World Cup. “I needed time to realize that I still had a lot to give to my country,” Messi stated, after returning to international play.
Off the pitch, Messi has built an empire: it is estimated that he has accumulated over 700 million euros in salaries and just as much in sponsorships and business ventures, making him one of the few billionaire footballers in history. He married Antonela Roccuzzo, a childhood friend, with whom he has three children, reinforcing his image as a family man and someone who remains discreet outside of media stardom.
Looking to the future, the football world wonders if Messi will be able to lift the most coveted trophy on the planet again. Argentina is now preparing for the round of 16, where Messi will, as always, be the center of attention. If he advances to the final, he could also increase his record of matches in World Cups and, who knows, break a few of the few remaining records left to conquer. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Messi is already an immortal legend, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations long after the final whistle.
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