Lionel Messi primarily plays as a forward. Over his career, his position has evolved, but his main roles have included:
- Right winger: Early in his professional career, Messi was often deployed on the right wing, where he could cut inside onto his stronger left foot to shoot or create plays
- False nine (central forward): Under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, Messi was famously used as a "false nine," a central forward who drops deeper into midfield to link play, create space, and score goals. This was arguably his most productive and defining position, especially between 2009 and 2014
- Attacking midfielder / playmaker: Messi has also played in a free attacking role, often drifting between midfield and attack, orchestrating play as a classic number 10 or second striker
Currently, at Inter Miami and with the Argentina national team, Messi continues to play primarily as a forward with freedom to roam, often starting on the right wing or in a central attacking role, combining goal-scoring and playmaking duties
. In summary, Messi is a versatile forward whose best-known positions are right winger, false nine (central forward), and attacking midfielder/playmaker, with his role adapting to tactical needs but always focused on attacking and creating chances
