I have been trying to keep up with so many matches in FIFA's World Cup broadcasts, but I have to admit to focusing on two aspects of the tournament – watching the USA team matches and the Argentina team matches.
In the first case I'm watching because I'm rooting for my country's team. Up to this point, the USA team has done better than I think many people suspected. The team has won two matches in the group stage and has never been in this position before. They are heading to the knockout rounds, and I'm very happy about that.
As for the Argentina team, I'm watching because I want to see Lionel Messi play. Argentina has also won two matches in the group stage and is heading for the knockout rounds. Messi leads his team with talent and style, and watching him play is a lesson of infinite grace. He is just a joy to watch.
How Lionel Messi Made History
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| Messi after scoring his record goals |
During the first half of Argentina's match against Austria in Dallas, Texas, Messi kicked his 17th World Cup goal to give his team a 1-0 lead. This makes Messi the all-time men's FIFA World Cup goalscorer, breaking the Miroslav Klose's long held record of 16 World Cup goals.
In the second half, Messi scored another goal giving him 18 goals in World Cup matches. This certainly proves the Messi is the GOAT in the sport of soccer/football. At 38 years old, he seems certainly still at the top of his game and is making each match he plays an exciting experience.
Lionel Messi's Humble Beginning
Lionel Andres Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, raised by his working-class parents Jorge and Celia who were from Spanish and Italian families. He grew up in a football loving atmosphere, and Lionel developed a love of the sport early in his life.
At the age of four he joined a local boys' team that was coached by his father. His maternal grandmother (also named Celia) would always go to watch him training and his matches. She died when he was 11, and Lionel was affected by her loss. Until this day, when Lionel scores a goal he looks up and points to the sky as a tribute to his grandmother.
A Health Challenge
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| A young Messi loved soccer |
At the age of 10, Lionel was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, threatening his future as a professional player. He began growth hormone therapy when he was 11 years old. His father's health plan only covered the regimen for two years, and after that they struggled to find ways to pay for it because it was expensive.
One of Lionel's coaches at the time, Adrain Coria, said of him, "He's a dwarf; he's too fragile." But the man recognized his talent overcame any deficiency in height. Coria realized that size meant nothing compared to Lionel's abilities and drive for success.
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| Messi usually kicks with his left foot |
The Messi family had relatives in Spain, so they brought Lionel there to Catalonia when he was 13 for a trial with Barcelona. First team director Carles Rexach wanted to sign him immediately, but he got pushback from the board of directors because it was unusual to sign a foreign player at such a young age.
On December 14, 2000, the Messi family pushed for Rexach to make a commitment or they would move on to look for other opportunities for Lionel. Rexach wanted to seal the deal, but had no paper with him at the time, so he wrote a contract on a paper napkin. In February 2001, the Messi family relocated to Barcelona. The rest, as it is often said, is history – Lionel Messi again and again proving Rexach right for believing in him.
Barcelona
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| Messi makes an impression on the pitch! |
Messi made his debut on Barcelona's first team on October 16, 2004, at 17 years old. He scored his first goal May 1, 2005, making him the youngest scorer for the team at that time. He was the youngest player to represent Barcelona, and the club won the league title that season.
When Messi turned 18, he signed his first senior league contract. As he continued to impress on the pitch, his contract was extended to 2010. A few months later, as Messi consistently amazed fans and team officials, his contract was extended to 2014 and his salary was doubled. Messi was on his way to fame and fortune.
Becoming a Legend
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| Messi celebrates his fourth Ballon d'Or |
During the 2012-2013 season, Messi became Barcelona's all-time top scorer, and he surpassed Gerd Muller for most goals scored in a calendar year. Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or for the fourth time, becoming the first player to achieve this accomplishment.
Messi signed a new contract that kept him with Barcelona until 2018, and he wore the captain's armband for the first time. He was the top scorer in Spain and Europe for the second straight year, and he also became the first player to win the European Golden Shoe for the third time.
After making his farewells in Barcelona, Messi joined Ligue 1 Paris-St. Germain for a two-year contract 2021-2023. He chose the number 30 for his uniform – which was the number he first wore with Barcelona. Although the team won the league title, Messi had disappointing season that saw him score just 6 goals.
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| Ronaldo and Messi with awards |
Messi had a much better 2022-2023 season, and during a match against Nice scored his 702nd goal. He surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo as the all-time highest goalscorer in European club football. At the end of the season he had 21 goals and highest number of assists with 16, which helped PSG clinch its second straight Ligue 1 title. At the end of the season Messi decided not to renew his contract.
On July 15, 2023, Major League Soccer (MLS) team Miami CF announced that Messi had signed a contract with them. Messi's pay set an MLS record at $50 million. Messi's arrival in the United States raised the popularity of the sport in the country, and also brought awareness of the MLS abroad.
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| Messimania in Miami |
Messi's presence on the Miami team immediately brought results – the club's games were being sold out. Messi's number 10 jersey was the best-selling jersey in the league and very popular around the world. The excitement and attention on him began being called Messimania! Of course, Messi was named team captain, and he led the team to their first trophy in the Leagues Cup final, but disappointingly they missed the MLS playoffs.
By March 2026, Messi was reportedly earning $70 million to $80 million based upon his salary and other compensation. On March 18, 2026, Messi scored his 900th career goal, making him only the second player to achieve this after Cristiano Ronaldo.
What a Career!
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| Messi the Great! |
Now, as we enjoy watching him in the World Cup matches, we can understand how Messi's legend continues to grow. Though he is short in stature, it has never impeded his playing ability. He overcame illness and height concerns to become one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
I hope you continue to enjoy watching Lionel Messi in the World Cup matches, as well as all the other contests that are being broadcast by FOX here in the United States.
Please check out this video of Messi kicking his history making goal.
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