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Lionel Messi

The latest stories and features on footballer Lionel Messi, including professional football news and updates.

Born

24 Jun 1987

Industry

Sport

Job Title

Athlete

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring Argentina’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Jordan. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

China-EU relations

China’s Fifa fever, EU’s trade deadline: 7 global relations reads

From the Quad’s critical mineral agenda to Shein’s Paris ousting, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in June 2026.

1 Jul 2026 - 10:30PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

World Cup while you were sleeping: Haaland’s inevitable, Mbappe unstoppable

1 Jul 2026 - 7:05AM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Messi makes more World Cup history, Iran out after Algeria, Austria thriller

28 Jun 2026 - 12:24PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

World Cup while you were sleeping: England, Ronaldo v Messi, Scotland boss quits

England top Group L with victory over Panama, while Croatia finish second. Later, Portugal take on Colombia and DR Congo face Uzbekistan.

28 Jun 2026 - 8:05AM

Jude Bellingham gets a hug from Morgan Rogers after scoring England’s first against Panama. Photo: Reuters

Fifa World Cup 2026

Haaland’s hairbands: the latest must-have for star-struck Chinese football fans

Norway star’s popularity in China has soared on the back of goalscoring exploits and play persona on mainland social media.

28 Jun 2026 - 8:06AM

Fifa World Cup 2026

World Cup while you were sleeping: Haaland dropped, France win, James injury scare

Erling Haaland is left on the bench and Kylian Mbappe goes goalless, as Ousmane Dembele hat-trick helps France thrash Norway 4-1.

27 Jun 2026 - 7:00AM

Fifa

Fifa World Cup: in-form Mbappe, Haaland to clash as France face Norway in decider

Real Madrid star and Manchester City striker are joint-second in the race for the Golden Boot with four goals apiece.

26 Jun 2026 - 11:00PM

Norway’s Erling Haaland (left) will face France’s Kylian Mbappe in Foxborough on Friday, with both one goal behind leading scorer Lionel Messi of Argentina, who has scored five. Photo: AFP

United States

With no team in World Cup, Chinese fans root for Ronaldo, Messi … and a referee

Chinese team has not played in tournament for 24 years, so supporters follow world’s two most famous players and a strict mainland official.

25 Jun 2026 - 8:35PMvideocam

Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo, an Instagram sensation in her own right

The pair met when they were kids and married in 2017 – they now have 3 sons, and she’s worked with Adidas, Alo Yoga and Dolce & Gabbana.

24 Jun 2026 - 12:35PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Fifa World Cup: results, group tables, fixtures and kick-off times

All you need to know about when your team is playing, who they could be facing in the next round and what time the matches take place.

23 Jun 2026 - 10:30PM

Players stand on the field during Argentina’s Group J clash with Austria in Arlington, Texas. Photo: AP

Fifa World Cup 2026

Fifa World Cup: Chinese companies hope to help Cabo Verde keeper cash in on fame

Vozinha, 40, has become an internet sensation after the tiny African nation’s unbeaten run so far, and could earn millions from various deals.

23 Jun 2026 - 7:00PM

Chinese fans have suggested that Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha could sell products, coach youngsters or become a tourism ambassador for his country. Photo: TNS

Fifa World Cup 2026

12 of the World Cup 2026’s oldest players, from Ronaldo to Messi

Should Ronaldo still be playing? Is this Messi’s last World Cup? But neither are the oldest this tournament – Scotland’s Craig Gordon is 43.

23 Jun 2026 - 1:45PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

World Cup while you were sleeping: Messi sets goal record, Mbappe hits double

Lionel Messi scores twice to become the tournament’s greatest-ever scorer, but Kylian Mbappe brace narrows the gap.

23 Jun 2026 - 8:54AM

Fifa World Cup 2026

World Cup while you were sleeping: Dutch hammer Sweden, Undav saves Germany

A five-star performance from the Netherlands consigns Sweden to a historic defeat, and Deniz Undav joins the race for the Golden Boot.

21 Jun 2026 - 7:03AM

Deniz Undav scored twice after coming off the bench in the second half. Photo: dpa

Fifa World Cup 2026

World Cup while you were sleeping: England win and Ronaldo ends Messi debate

Harry Kane equals Gary Lineker’s goals tally for England, DR Congo score first ever World Cup goal as Portugal labour to draw.

18 Jun 2026 - 7:03AM

Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer the player he once was, and Portugal are paying the prince. Photo: Getty Images

Fifa World Cup 2026

Messi hails ‘beautiful moment’ after equalling World Cup goals record

Argentina’s global superstar becomes oldest player to score tournament hat-trick as defending champions get off to a strong start in Group J.

17 Jun 2026 - 4:44PM

Fifa

World Cup, 5 things to know: Haaland’s first, Messi’s 200th, classic 2002 rematch

Champions Argentina and runners-up France finally join the fray, along with dark horse Norway and Austria, but potential for upsets is high.

16 Jun 2026 - 11:42PM

Hong Kong celebrities and icons

7 Hong Kong women’s footballers on playing the sport and fashion game

With the Fifa World Cup 2026 under way, we asked players from a prominent Hong Kong women’s team about fashion, and the professionals that inspire them – from Lionel Messi to Mia Hamm.

12 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

Players from the Hong Kong Football Club amateur women’s team on what football and football fashion means to them. Photo: Jocelyn Tam

Fifa World Cup

Photo book This is Football celebrates the game as the Fifa World Cup kicks off

As the biggest tournament in world football kicks off, this lavish book looks back at seminal moments involving Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé and more.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Messi scores on injury return as Argentina beat Iceland in World Cup warm-up

Lionel Messi comes off bench for 20-minute cameo as part of managed return to fitness following injury scare.

10 Jun 2026 - 11:30AM

Fashion

9 fashion-forward collabs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, from Nike to Loewe

From Jacquemus working with Nike and the France national team to Drake’s Nocta tracksuit for Canada, these are the hottest football fashion collabs this season.

11 Jun 2026 - 5:47PM

Loewe, Palace Skateboards and Corteiz are some brands that are presenting national team kits this World Cup season. Photos: Loewe, @palaceskateboards, @corteiz/Insgram

India

Video | Giant Messi statue taken down in India

The 21-metre (70ft) sculpture in Kolkata was removed after it was deemed unstable in strong winds.

2 Jun 2026 - 9:09PM

Pedestrians watch as workers remove a statue of Argentine football player Lionel Messi for its re-installation to a safer place in Kolkata on June 1, 2026. A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi erected in India to mark his visit last year is “swaying in the wind” and will be removed, a lawmaker told AFP on May 27. (Photo by Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP)

01:10

Fifa World Cup 2026

My Take | World Cup ticket prices are showing the ugly side of the beautiful game

State attorneys general in the US have launched probes into Fifa’s ticketing strategy. The governing body must never forget the sport is nothing without its fans.

30 May 2026 - 11:57PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi to lead Argentina at World Cup, but Real Madrid star misses out

Messi will play in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, but there is no place for teen Franco Mastantuono in squad.

29 May 2026 - 9:33AM

Fifa

Hong Kong picked for Fifa Museum as it is ‘amazing starting point’ to Asia

Fifa Museum boss Marco Fazzone, who is here for the site’s grand opening, says the city is ‘full of energy’ and ‘you have everything here’.

28 May 2026 - 9:42PM

A section of "The Rainbow" display of jerseys of footballing nations, one of the highlights of the Fifa Museum at Times Square in Causeway Bay. Photo: Sam Tsang

Fifa World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi faces World Cup uncertainty after tests diagnose muscle fatigue

Inter Miami provided no clear timetable for the superstar’s return weeks before Argentina prepare to defend their crown.

26 May 2026 - 12:54PM

Lionel Messi, an icon for the defending World Cup champions Argentina, grabbed the back of his left leg and asked to come off in a match for Inter Miami. Photo: Getty Images

Science

How Lionel Messi’s favourite drink is sparking a major health craze in China

Ancient South American fusion may reduce risks of Parkinson’s and is enjoyed by top footballers, but the indigenous drink should be shared.

26 May 2026 - 5:26PMvideocam

Fifa World Cup 2026

‘Tired’ Lionel Messi gives Argentina injury scare weeks before World Cup

South America superstar limps out of Major League Soccer game against Philadelphia Union.

25 May 2026 - 11:11AM

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Lionel Messi

China’s Fifa fever, EU’s trade deadline: 7 global relations reads

From the Quad’s critical mineral agenda to Shein’s Paris ousting, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in June 2026.

World Cup while you were sleeping: Haaland’s inevitable, Mbappe unstoppable

Messi makes more World Cup history, Iran out after Algeria, Austria thriller

World Cup while you were sleeping: England, Ronaldo v Messi, Scotland boss quits

England top Group L with victory over Panama, while Croatia finish second. Later, Portugal take on Colombia and DR Congo face Uzbekistan.

Haaland’s hairbands: the latest must-have for star-struck Chinese football fans

Norway star’s popularity in China has soared on the back of goalscoring exploits and play persona on mainland social media.

World Cup while you were sleeping: Haaland dropped, France win, James injury scare

Erling Haaland is left on the bench and Kylian Mbappe goes goalless, as Ousmane Dembele hat-trick helps France thrash Norway 4-1.

Fifa World Cup: in-form Mbappe, Haaland to clash as France face Norway in decider

Real Madrid star and Manchester City striker are joint-second in the race for the Golden Boot with four goals apiece.

With no team in World Cup, Chinese fans root for Ronaldo, Messi … and a referee

Chinese team has not played in tournament for 24 years, so supporters follow world’s two most famous players and a strict mainland official.

Meet Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo, an Instagram sensation in her own right

The pair met when they were kids and married in 2017 – they now have 3 sons, and she’s worked with Adidas, Alo Yoga and Dolce & Gabbana.

Fifa World Cup: results, group tables, fixtures and kick-off times

All you need to know about when your team is playing, who they could be facing in the next round and what time the matches take place.

Fifa World Cup: Chinese companies hope to help Cabo Verde keeper cash in on fame

Vozinha, 40, has become an internet sensation after the tiny African nation’s unbeaten run so far, and could earn millions from various deals.

12 of the World Cup 2026’s oldest players, from Ronaldo to Messi

Should Ronaldo still be playing? Is this Messi’s last World Cup? But neither are the oldest this tournament – Scotland’s Craig Gordon is 43.

World Cup while you were sleeping: Messi sets goal record, Mbappe hits double

Lionel Messi scores twice to become the tournament’s greatest-ever scorer, but Kylian Mbappe brace narrows the gap.

World Cup while you were sleeping: Dutch hammer Sweden, Undav saves Germany

A five-star performance from the Netherlands consigns Sweden to a historic defeat, and Deniz Undav joins the race for the Golden Boot.

World Cup while you were sleeping: England win and Ronaldo ends Messi debate

Harry Kane equals Gary Lineker’s goals tally for England, DR Congo score first ever World Cup goal as Portugal labour to draw.

Messi hails ‘beautiful moment’ after equalling World Cup goals record

Argentina’s global superstar becomes oldest player to score tournament hat-trick as defending champions get off to a strong start in Group J.

World Cup, 5 things to know: Haaland’s first, Messi’s 200th, classic 2002 rematch

Champions Argentina and runners-up France finally join the fray, along with dark horse Norway and Austria, but potential for upsets is high.

7 Hong Kong women’s footballers on playing the sport and fashion game

With the Fifa World Cup 2026 under way, we asked players from a prominent Hong Kong women’s team about fashion, and the professionals that inspire them – from Lionel Messi to Mia Hamm.

Photo book This is Football celebrates the game as the Fifa World Cup kicks off

As the biggest tournament in world football kicks off, this lavish book looks back at seminal moments involving Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé and more.

Messi scores on injury return as Argentina beat Iceland in World Cup warm-up

Lionel Messi comes off bench for 20-minute cameo as part of managed return to fitness following injury scare.

9 fashion-forward collabs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, from Nike to Loewe

From Jacquemus working with Nike and the France national team to Drake’s Nocta tracksuit for Canada, these are the hottest football fashion collabs this season.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Giant Messi statue taken down in India

The 21-metre (70ft) sculpture in Kolkata was removed after it was deemed unstable in strong winds.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | World Cup ticket prices are showing the ugly side of the beautiful game

State attorneys general in the US have launched probes into Fifa’s ticketing strategy. The governing body must never forget the sport is nothing without its fans.

Lionel Messi to lead Argentina at World Cup, but Real Madrid star misses out

Messi will play in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, but there is no place for teen Franco Mastantuono in squad.

Hong Kong picked for Fifa Museum as it is ‘amazing starting point’ to Asia

Fifa Museum boss Marco Fazzone, who is here for the site’s grand opening, says the city is ‘full of energy’ and ‘you have everything here’.

Lionel Messi faces World Cup uncertainty after tests diagnose muscle fatigue

Inter Miami provided no clear timetable for the superstar’s return weeks before Argentina prepare to defend their crown.

How Lionel Messi’s favourite drink is sparking a major health craze in China

Ancient South American fusion may reduce risks of Parkinson’s and is enjoyed by top footballers, but the indigenous drink should be shared.

‘Tired’ Lionel Messi gives Argentina injury scare weeks before World Cup

South America superstar limps out of Major League Soccer game against Philadelphia Union.

Video | Giant Messi statue taken down in India

My Take | World Cup ticket prices are showing the ugly side of the beautiful game