When Is Messi’s Birthday and How Old Is He Today?
Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, is often regarded as the greatest football player to have ever graced the pitch.
This week, in addition to his impressive displays at the 2026 World Cup—where he has already established himself as the tournament’s leading all-time goalscorer (for the moment)—he has yet another reason to celebrate.
What date was Lionel Messi born?
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.
Today—Wednesday, June 24—marks his birthday.
His Zodiac sign is Cancer.
He shares this significant date with another Argentinian football icon, Juan Roman Riquelme, who celebrates his 48th birthday today.
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How old is he?
Messi celebrated his 39th birthday on June 24, 2026.
Over the course of his career, he has consistently exceeded expectations, having overcome a childhood growth hormone deficiency to become one of the game’s most outstanding players.
At the 2026 World Cup, Messi has already made landmark history.
With 18 goals across six tournaments, he now holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16.
He initially made history as Argentina’s youngest World Cup scorer in 2006, and later became their oldest in a match against Algeria, also setting the record for the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament.
Unfortunately, this year he also set another record for missing the most penalties in World Cup history.
Messi guided Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, a title he also won in 2014.
Beyond his World Cup accolades, he boasts an unparalleled eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Is he the oldest player at the World Cup?
According to FIFA, Messi is currently ranked 12th among the oldest players participating in the tournament.
As of June 24, there are eight players in this World Cup aged 40 years or older.
The oldest player is Scotland’s goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, born on December 31, 1982, making him 43 years old.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, born on February 5, 1985, is now 41 years old.
The remaining six players, all aged 40, are as follows:
- Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, born July 13, 1985
- Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, born September 9, 1985
- Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko, born March 17, 1986
- Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, born March 27, 1986
- Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, born June 16, 1986
- Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, born June 3, 1986