Timeline: Follow Lionel Messi’s Journey to Becoming World Number One

Through this interactive timeline, follow Lionel Messi’s transformation from a child prodigy to the world’s best player and all relevant events in between.

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (L) is challenged by Switzerland's midfielder and captain Goekhan Inler during the second half of a Round of 16 football match between Argentina and Switzerland at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images