Thursday, June 20, 2013 2:47 AM EST

Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi]; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team as a forward or winger. He also holds Spanish citizenship, which makes him eligible as a EU player. Considered one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world's best contemporary player, Messi received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22. He also won the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or at the age of 23. His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor".

Articles About Lionel Messi

David Villa
Tottenham and Arsenal Suffer Blow in Striker Pursuit

By IBTimes UK

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell insists Tottenham and Arsenal target David Villa will remain at Camp Nou (Jun 15)

Lionel Messi denies he is a tax fraudster
Lionel Messi Tax Fraud Statement - 'I'm not a Tax Dodger'

By IBTimes UK

Barcelona star and one of world's most highly paid sport stars denies claim by Spanish court. (Jun 13)

MORE TOPICS: ARGENTINA, REAL MADRID

David Villa
Barcelona Transfer News: David Villa may Leave, Thiago Silva Targeted

By IBTimes IN

Tito Vilanova must be happy with Barcelona's overall performance this season - winning La Liga title and reaching the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League - but he is expected to bring in some new players and send off a few of the current players this summer. (Jun 06)

MORE TOPICS: MANAGEMENT

Gareth Bale
Redknapp: Bale Not Ready For Move To Real Madrid

By IBTimes UK

Harry Redknapp insists Gareth Bale will stay at the club for another season, despite interest from Real Madrid. (Jun 06)

MORE TOPICS: REAL MADRID, LONDON

David Luiz
Barcelona Transfer News: David Luiz may Follow Neymar to Camp Nou [PHOTOS]

By IBTimes IN

Just when Barca fans are rejoicing after the signing of Brazilian promising striker Neymar, reports are doing the rounds that Chelsea defender David Luiz could also move to Camp Nou. (Jun 05)

MORE TOPICS: NEW YORK, MANCHESTER UNITED

Alvaro Negredo
West Ham Make £14.5m Negredo Bid Despite Imminent Carroll Deal

By IBTimes UK

The Hammers have made a £14.5m bid for Alvaro Negredo which has been rejected by Sevilla (Jun 05)

Neymar
Neymar Transfer News: I Want to Help Lionel Messi to be World's Best Player, Says Brazilian Star [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

By IBTimes IN

Brazilian sensation Neymar da Silva, who has officially joined Spanish giants Barcelona on Monday, said at his first appearance at the Camp Nou that he is excited to be a Barca player and eager to assist Lionel Messi. (Jun 05)

Gerard Deulofeu
Liverpool and North London Clubs Boosted in Race to Sign £29.8m Midfielder

By IBTimes UK

Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu could leave Camp Nou in the summer (Jun 04)

MORE TOPICS: LONDON

Gareth Bale
Bale Will Only Leave Tottenham for Manchester

By IBTimes UK

Glenn Hoddle believes Gareth Bale will only leave Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester City or Manchester United (Jun 04)

MORE TOPICS: MANCHESTER UNITED, REAL MADRID

Radamel Falcao
Details Of Falcao Signing Revealed As United and Chelsea Miss Out

By IBTimes UK

Radamel Falcao will have no exit clause in his contract with Monaco, and will pocket around 160,000 per week to play in the tax haven. (May 30)

MORE TOPICS: MANCHESTER UNITED