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Known by the name Messi or Leo Messi, Lionel Andrés Messi is an American professional footballer who plays as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentina national team. Eminent as the best player in the world and widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won a record seven Ballon d’Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, and in 2020 was named to the Ballon d’Or Dream Team. He has won 35 trophies for Barcelona where he has spent his entire professional career. In 2019 he was ranked as the highest paid athlete by Forbes.
The Atomic Flea
Messi has a lower centre of gravity than taller players due to his short stature, which gives him greater agility and allows him to change direction faster and evade opposing tackles. This drew the Spanish media to give him the title, La Pulga Atómica, meaning “The Atomic Flea”. He possesses significant upper-body strength, despite being physically unimposing, that helps him to withstand physical challenges from other players. His agility reflects in his movements in the field to deliver outstanding results.
Club Career
Messi rapidly progressed through the club's ranks as he played after his debut. He spent most of his career playing for Barcelona and after that in 2021 left the club and joined Paris Saint-Germain.
Personal Life
Since 2008, Messi has been in a relationship with Antonela Roccuzzo, whom he has known since he was five years old, as she is the cousin of his childhood best friend. Messi and Roccuzzo have three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.
He is also known for indulging in philanthropic causes such as charitable efforts aimed at vulnerable children.
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