No, Lionel Messi is not a US citizen.
Lionel Messi's Citizenship Status
Lionel Messi does not hold United States citizenship. He is widely known to possess dual citizenship, maintaining strong ties to his homeland, Argentina, and has been a key member of various Argentine national teams since 2005. His dual citizenship is understood to be Argentine and Spanish, a status he acquired in 2005 due to his extensive professional career and residency in Spain with FC Barcelona.
Distinguishing Residency from Citizenship
It's important to differentiate between residency and citizenship. While Lionel Messi currently resides in the United States, playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), residency does not automatically grant citizenship. His presence in the U.S. is based on a work visa for professional athletes. Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen typically involves meeting specific criteria, such as:
- Holding a Green Card for a certain period (usually 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Demonstrating continuous residency and physical presence in the U.S.
- Having good moral character.
- Passing an English language and civics test.
- Taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
There is no public information or credible record indicating that Messi has pursued or obtained U.S. citizenship.
Overview of Messi's Known Citizenships
To clarify his current status:
| Citizenship Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Argentine Citizen | Born in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi has always maintained strong connections to his home country. He has proudly represented the Argentine national football team, achieving significant success including winning the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup, underscoring his deep national allegiance. |
| Spanish Citizen | Messi obtained Spanish citizenship in 2005. This allowed him to avoid non-EU player restrictions in La Liga while playing for FC Barcelona, simplifying his professional career in Spain. This is the second part of his recognized dual citizenship. |
| US Citizen | There is no public information or record suggesting that Lionel Messi has sought or been granted United States citizenship. His relocation to the U.S. is solely for his professional football career with Inter Miami. |
Messi's International Identity
Despite his global fame and professional ventures across continents, Lionel Messi's core identity remains rooted in his Argentine heritage. His deep connection to Argentina is evident in his long-standing commitment to the national team and the profound cultural ties he maintains with his homeland.
