Leo Messi By mathumom Jun 24, 1987 Birth 1992 Leo joined the Grandoli soccer club in Rosario, Argentina. 1995 Began playing with Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. Sep 16, 2000 Traveled with his father to Barcelona to try out for FC Barcelona team. Jan 8, 2001 FC Barcelona signed him. Started playing in their junior leagues. Oct 16, 2004 Made his debut with FC Barcelona main team. May 1, 2005 Became youngest player to score a goal for FC Barcelona May 15, 2006 Chosen to be on the team for Argentina World Cup Aug 23, 2008 Won a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics with the Argentina team. 2009 Won his first out of five FIFA Ballon d'Or. Jan 7, 2012 Became the first player to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or award four years in a row. Jun 12, 2014 Became captain of the Argentina team for 2014 World Cup. 2016 Received his fifth FIFA Ballon d'Or.