TOPIC

/ people

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

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)

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

Fifa World Cup 2026

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

30 May 2026 - 11:57PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

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

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

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

Lionel Messi asked to come off with an apparent leg injury. Photo: Getty Images

Fifa World Cup 2026

The last dance: Messi and Ronaldo get ready for sixth and final Fifa World Cup

Two best players of their generation prepare to make history this summer, 20 years after their first appearances at football’s biggest tournament.

16 May 2026 - 12:20PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi tipped for Hong Kong return, Argentine gearing up for World Cup

Sports marketing entrepreneur Michael Rocha-Keys hopes former Barcelona star comes back to city in ‘more organised manner’ in the near future.

12 May 2026 - 8:00AM

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Eastern boss plotting Hong Kong domination, exits ‘pain in process’ of progress

Manu Torres on board with club’s decision to wave goodbye to high-profile figures, accepts responsibility of taking ‘big, big club’ to top.

10 May 2026 - 12:21PM

Dani Almazan (left) is poised for an acrimonious departure from Eastern. Photo: EPA-EFE

China trade

How this Chinese city is netting profits amid 2026 World Cup fever

Yiwu, the world’s capital of small goods, tackles global market for football-related merchandise as buzz builds ahead of major tournament.

5 May 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

A foreign buyer checks footballs at a store in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo: China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

My Take

My Take | World Cup football belongs to the fans, not to Trump and his friend at Fifa

Supporters in Hong Kong may be rubbing their hands at the prospect of seeing their favourite teams at Kai Tak Stadium, but those travelling to the global showpiece risk paying a much higher price.

2 May 2026 - 10:30PM

Hong Kong Football Festival

Editorial | Hot summer of football festival fever ahead for Hong Kong

The return of star-studded matches featuring top European clubs heralds a second straight summer of football enthusiasm for local fans.

2 May 2026 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong Football Festival

Football Festival boss eyes Sevens-style boom, dismisses threat from rivals

TEG Sport managing director Rachael Carroll on overcoming Messi fiasco and making event a permanent fixture in city’s sporting calendar.

21 Apr 2026 - 7:00AM

Rachael Carroll speaking at the launch of the 2025 Hong Kong Football Festival. Photo: TEG

Formula One (F1)

Gulf’s decades-long strategy of sporting investment rocked by war

Since February, dozens of events due to be held have been cancelled or postponed, including football’s ‘Finalissima’, grands prix, MotoGP.

22 Mar 2026 - 8:00AM

Gulf countries like Bahrain have invested vast sums of money in bringing global sporting events to their shores. Photo: Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo

Messi scores 900th career goal in Inter Milan match, joins Ronaldo in elite club

Argentine World Cup winner reaches landmark in 1,142nd appearance for club and country, ⁠almost 100 games ⁠fewer than the Portuguese.

19 Mar 2026 - 7:00PM

US, Israel war on Iran

US bombing of Iran disrupts sports with doubt over Messi, Ronaldo games and F1

Cancellations and travel shutdowns affecting events in Middle East and elsewhere as conflict spreads across region.

3 Mar 2026 - 9:22AM

Fifa

Argentina FA in turmoil ahead of World Cup over mystery villa, dirty money claims

Carlos Tevez claim over actions of governing body’s treasurer prompted investigation that uncovered 54 cars, helicopter at luxury property.

2 Jan 2026 - 3:36AM

A member of the Argentine Federal Police walks after seizing a printer from the Claudio Chiqui Tapia stadium in Buenos Aires, which belongs to the soccer team Barracas Central, during a raid on December 9. Photo: Reuters

Fifa

Year in football: growth, mismatches point to direction ‘beautiful game’ will take

‘Success’ of Club World Cup, bigger World Cup go hand in hand with more money, technology coming in, but player welfare is an issue.

26 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM

India

Kick-off in Kolkata: how Lionel Messi was dragged into an Indian election battle

The BJP has latched on to the crowd chaos during Messi’s visit to West Bengal to demand the resignation of the state’s chief minister.

16 Dec 2025 - 6:02PMvideocam

India

Video | Indian fans storm stadium after Messi exit

Fans were left with barely a glimpse of Messi after paying over US$100 to see the touring Argentine superstar.

15 Dec 2025 - 5:42PM

01:16

Fifa World Cup 2026

Another Lionel Messi farce as angry Indian fans riot, vandalise stadium

Video shows fans, who had paid ‘a month’s salary’ to see touring Argentine superstar, throwing ripped-up seats, other objects onto field.

14 Dec 2025 - 2:31PM

Fans throw chairs after Lionel Messi departs from the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Fifa

Fifa World Cup draw: who Asian teams will play, how Ronaldo v Messi could happen

Son Heung-min’s South Korea among seven Asian nations who learn their opponents in the draw in Washington.

6 Dec 2025 - 6:23PM

Fifa

Fifa World Cup draw repeats past as France face Senegal, England play Croatia

Argentina drawn to start against Algeria after a show that lasts almost as long as a football match.

6 Dec 2025 - 11:24AM

Fifa

Trump looms over Fifa World Cup draw as it starts countdown to 2026 finals

US president expected to play prominent role as Washington stages draw for the tournament, to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico.

4 Dec 2025 - 2:05PM

Fifa president Gianni Infantino (left) speaks alongside US President Donald Trump at the White House in March. Photo: AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo makes history as first billionaire footballer after hefty Saudi payday

Portuguese star joins ‘three comma club’ after signing new two-year deal with Al-Nassr worth almost £500 million.

8 Oct 2025 - 7:27PMvideocam

Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth has exploded after signing a second deal with Al-Nassr. Photo: Reuters

Timepieces

Lionel Messi’s colourful watches – from a ‘Barbie’ Rolex to Flamingo Blue Tudor

The Inter Miami football player rocks a Patek Philippe Cubitus, Rolex Daytonas, and unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks.

19 Aug 2025 - 10:21AM

Kitchee SC

Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona colleague bringing winning mentality to Kitchee

Roger Riera eager to tackle first Asian challenge following spells in Spain, the Netherlands and with Nottingham Forest.

3 Aug 2025 - 12:45PM

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

Lionel Messi

.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

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

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.

The last dance: Messi and Ronaldo get ready for sixth and final Fifa World Cup

Two best players of their generation prepare to make history this summer, 20 years after their first appearances at football’s biggest tournament.

Lionel Messi tipped for Hong Kong return, Argentine gearing up for World Cup

Sports marketing entrepreneur Michael Rocha-Keys hopes former Barcelona star comes back to city in ‘more organised manner’ in the near future.

Eastern boss plotting Hong Kong domination, exits ‘pain in process’ of progress

Manu Torres on board with club’s decision to wave goodbye to high-profile figures, accepts responsibility of taking ‘big, big club’ to top.

How this Chinese city is netting profits amid 2026 World Cup fever

Yiwu, the world’s capital of small goods, tackles global market for football-related merchandise as buzz builds ahead of major tournament.

My Take | World Cup football belongs to the fans, not to Trump and his friend at Fifa

Supporters in Hong Kong may be rubbing their hands at the prospect of seeing their favourite teams at Kai Tak Stadium, but those travelling to the global showpiece risk paying a much higher price.

Editorial | Hot summer of football festival fever ahead for Hong Kong

The return of star-studded matches featuring top European clubs heralds a second straight summer of football enthusiasm for local fans.

Football Festival boss eyes Sevens-style boom, dismisses threat from rivals

TEG Sport managing director Rachael Carroll on overcoming Messi fiasco and making event a permanent fixture in city’s sporting calendar.

Gulf’s decades-long strategy of sporting investment rocked by war

Since February, dozens of events due to be held have been cancelled or postponed, including football’s ‘Finalissima’, grands prix, MotoGP.

Messi scores 900th career goal in Inter Milan match, joins Ronaldo in elite club

Argentine World Cup winner reaches landmark in 1,142nd appearance for club and country, ⁠almost 100 games ⁠fewer than the Portuguese.

US bombing of Iran disrupts sports with doubt over Messi, Ronaldo games and F1

Cancellations and travel shutdowns affecting events in Middle East and elsewhere as conflict spreads across region.

Argentina FA in turmoil ahead of World Cup over mystery villa, dirty money claims

Carlos Tevez claim over actions of governing body’s treasurer prompted investigation that uncovered 54 cars, helicopter at luxury property.

Year in football: growth, mismatches point to direction ‘beautiful game’ will take

‘Success’ of Club World Cup, bigger World Cup go hand in hand with more money, technology coming in, but player welfare is an issue.

Kick-off in Kolkata: how Lionel Messi was dragged into an Indian election battle

The BJP has latched on to the crowd chaos during Messi’s visit to West Bengal to demand the resignation of the state’s chief minister.

Video | Indian fans storm stadium after Messi exit

Fans were left with barely a glimpse of Messi after paying over US$100 to see the touring Argentine superstar.

Another Lionel Messi farce as angry Indian fans riot, vandalise stadium

Video shows fans, who had paid ‘a month’s salary’ to see touring Argentine superstar, throwing ripped-up seats, other objects onto field.

Fifa World Cup draw: who Asian teams will play, how Ronaldo v Messi could happen

Son Heung-min’s South Korea among seven Asian nations who learn their opponents in the draw in Washington.

Fifa World Cup draw repeats past as France face Senegal, England play Croatia

Argentina drawn to start against Algeria after a show that lasts almost as long as a football match.

Trump looms over Fifa World Cup draw as it starts countdown to 2026 finals

US president expected to play prominent role as Washington stages draw for the tournament, to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Ronaldo makes history as first billionaire footballer after hefty Saudi payday

Portuguese star joins ‘three comma club’ after signing new two-year deal with Al-Nassr worth almost £500 million.

Lionel Messi’s colourful watches – from a ‘Barbie’ Rolex to Flamingo Blue Tudor

The Inter Miami football player rocks a Patek Philippe Cubitus, Rolex Daytonas, and unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks.

Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona colleague bringing winning mentality to Kitchee

Roger Riera eager to tackle first Asian challenge following spells in Spain, the Netherlands and with Nottingham Forest.

Video | Giant Messi statue taken down in India

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