In which country was Lionel Messi born?

Lionel Messi was born in Argentina. He was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, a city in Santa Fe Province, where he grew up in a football-loving family.

Messi began playing organized football locally before joining Newell's Old Boys as a child. At age 13, he moved to Spain to enter Barcelona's youth academy, where the club helped support treatment for a growth hormone deficiency. That move shaped his club career, but it did not change his nationality or place of birth.

A common mix-up is confusing Messi's birthplace with the country where he became famous. He spent most of his professional career in Spain with Barcelona, later played in France for Paris Saint-Germain, and then moved to the United States with Inter Miami. Internationally, however, he represents Argentina and has captained the national team.