Worshipped by many as the greatest footballer of all time, the Barcelona hero was born on this day in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina.
Celebrating his 30th birthday, Messi made his debut as a 17-year-old for Barcelona and aged just 22, won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award.
In the next three seasons, Messi won three consecutive FIFA Ballons d’Or accolades and established himself as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer as well as being the lead goal-getter for the Argentinian national team as well.
Trophy-wise, Messi has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, as well as a smattering of other silverware.
Internationally, he won the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics but lost has yet to taste World Cup or Copa America glory, despite coming close on several occasions.
In the gallery above, we take a look at his best moments down through the years.