How Old Was Messi When He Went Pro

For collectors of football club and national team jerseys, knowing when a player signed their first professional contract adds meaningful context. Lionel Messi signed his first professional contract with FC Barcelona on 4 February 2004, at the age of 16. Based on his birth date of 24 June 1987, Messi was 16 years and approximately 7 months old when he officially turned pro

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Background to Messi’s Professional Contract

Early years at Barcelona

Messi arrived in Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, from his native Rosario in Argentina. His early promise was recognised at a very young age and the club moved to secure his future by offering his first professional contract in 2004

Details of the contract

The contract signed on 4 February 2004 extended his association with Barcelona until 2012 and included a release clause of around €30 million. It represented the club’s commitment to the young talent and marked the transition from youth to professional status for Messi

Age Calculation and Significance

Using his birth date of 24 June 1987 and the contract date of 4 February 2004, the calculation is as follows:

• Birth date: 24 June 1987
• Contract date: 4 February 2004
• Age at contract signing: 16 years and approximately 7 months

This age reflects the moment Messi became a professional player under official terms and is distinct from his first team debut, which came later. For collectors, this age marks the earliest season when his professional status began, corresponding with early senior team involvement and the pre-first team transition.

Why This Contract Age Matters for Collectors on jerseys4pro

On our platform, where we offer club and national team jerseys, understanding when Messi went pro helps in several ways:

• Identifying correct editions: Shirts linked to the 2004-05 season align with the start of his professional era
• Authenticity and era matching: The squad number, kit design, and season labels tie in with his transition from youth to pro
• Historical context: A professional contract at age 16 highlights the extraordinary rise of Messi and increases the collectible significance of shirts from that early stage

Linking the Professional Contract to Shirt Era

For collectors seeking early Messi garments, consider the following guidelines:

• Look for Barcelona shirts from the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons, marking the period when he became a professional.
• Match kit details such as sponsor logos, club crests, and sleeve badges used during that era.
• Ensure that the manufacturing tags and season codes correspond with the early professional years of Messi.

References

• Wikipedia
• Britannica