The Profile: Lionel Messi

The Argentinian star made world headlines by leaving Barcelona for Paris St-Germain, in a deal which for many people epitomises the increasingly absurd nature of modern football

Lionel Messi’s move from Barcelona to Paris St-Germain stunned the world of football. Illustration: Peter Hanan

In brief:

Name and role: Lionel Messi

Age: 34

Appearance: short and plain-looking, but magical with a ball at his feet

Newsworthiness: tearfully left longtime club Barcelona and signed for Paris Saint-Germain, generating much debate about football’s foundations

In depth:

Lionel Messi wept as he told the world he was leaving FC Barcelona. Under a giant television screen bearing the club’s crest, its name and its slogan, “Mes que un club” — which translates as ...