How Tall Is Messi? 5’7 Height in Feet, Inches & CM

It sounds like a trivia question, but Lionel Messi’s height has sparked debates that go beyond simple curiosity; while FIFA’s official profile lists him at 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in), other reputable sources disagree by half an inch or more. Here’s what the data says—and why the confusion persists.

Official height (per Wikipedia): 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) · Height per IMDB: 5 ft 6.5 in (1.69 m) · Height per Fox Sports: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)

The following table lists Messi’s key biometric data.

Is Messi 5’6″ or 5’7″?

Official sources say 5’7″

FIFA’s official player profile lists Messi at 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) (FIFA, world football governing body). This figure is also used in Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia) and is the most widely cited.

Discrepancies in measurements

IMDB’s biography section says 5′ 6½″ (1.69 m) (IMDB, entertainment database), while Fox Sports lists 5’6″ (1.68 m) (Fox Sports, sports media). The one‑inch spread comes from different measurement conventions.

Barefoot vs shoes

Football listings often report height in boots. Barefoot, Messi may be closer to 1.68–1.69 m. The Snopes fact‑check notes that comparing barefoot measurements, booted measurements, and converted feet/inches figures creates the disagreement.

Bottom line: Messi’s listed height is 5’7″ in official FIFA records, but barefoot measurements from other sources suggest 5’6″–5’6½″. For most purposes, 1.70 m (5’7″) is the standard reference.

How tall is Ronaldo compared to Messi?

Ronaldo’s official height

Cristiano Ronaldo’s FIFA profile lists him at 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) (FIFA player profile). Britannica also reports 6 ft 2 in (Britannica).

Height difference in matches

The 17‑cm gap is visible in side‑by‑side photos (Getty Images archive) and affects aerial play. Ronaldo’s center‑of‑gravity is higher, while Messi’s lower stance aids balance in tight spaces.

The implication: The 17‑cm advantage gives Ronaldo reach in headers, while Messi’s lower height gives him superior acceleration and dribbling in congested areas.

How did Messi’s height change from age 11 to 16?

Growth hormone treatment at 11

At age 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. FC Barcelona publicly stated it covered the treatment after he joined their youth system (FC Barcelona official site, club). According to the Mayo Clinic (leading medical institution), such treatment can help children reach genetically predicted height.

Height milestones

• 1998 (age 11): Growth hormone therapy begins (Britannica)
• 2005 (age 18): FIFA World Youth Championship; listed height already 1.69 m
• 2008: First Ballon d’Or; official height 1.70 m
• Present: Adult height stable at 1.70 m (5’7″)

Impact on playing style

Messi’s treatment helped him reach 1.70 m—short by elite standards but enough for a playmaker. His low center of gravity is widely credited for his balance and dribbling (Britannica).

Bottom line: Without the treatment, Messi’s adult height would likely have been shorter. The therapy was crucial to his career, but his final height is still below average for a top‑flight forward.

What is Messi’s height in centimeters and inches?

Conversion to cm

1.70 m = 170 cm. Some sources say 169 cm (5’6½″) (IMDB). The figure 188 cm appears in erroneous posts but has no basis in any official record.

For a quick reference, see our CM to Inches Conversion tool.

Conversion to inches

170 cm = 66.9 inches ≈ 5’7″. 169 cm = 66.5 inches = 5’6½″. The half‑inch difference explains the confusion online.

Conflicting figures

Reddit discussions often cite barefoot measurements of 5’6″, but no medical study has published a barefoot height for Messi. The discrepancy between 5’6″ and 5’7″ is primarily a measurement‑standard issue.

The pattern: when in doubt, default to the FIFA figure (1.70 m / 5’7″) as the official standard.

How tall is Messi’s wife?

Antonela Roccuzzo height

Antonela Roccuzzo is estimated at about 1.60 m (5’3″) based on paparazzi photos (Getty Images). No official height is published.

Comparison with Messi

In public appearances, Roccuzzo stands about 10 cm shorter than Messi. This matches the 1.70‑m vs. 1.60‑m difference. Fans often ask about her height because of the visible gap in photographs.

Public appearances

The couple often appears at award shows and family outings. The height difference is consistent with the unofficial figures.

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Messi’s height is at least 1.68 m (5’6″) (Fox Sports).
• Wikipedia lists 1.70 m (5’7″) (Britannica).
• He had a diagnosed growth hormone deficiency treated with therapy (Britannica).

What’s unclear

• Exact barefoot height.
• Whether 5’6″ or 5’7″ is correct without shoes.
• IMDB and Fox Sports discrepancy—likely due to different measurement conventions.

What the sources say

“Lionel Messi’s official FIFA profile lists him at 170 cm tall.”

— FIFA player profile (FIFA)

“5′ 6½″ (1.69 m)”

— IMDB biography (IMDB)

“5’6″, 147 lbs”

— Fox Sports bio (Fox Sports)

For the typical fan seeking clarity, the choice is clear: trust the FIFA figure (1.70 m / 5’7″) as the official standard, or face the half‑inch headache of barefoot measurements.

Related reading: CM to Inches Conversion

Frequently asked questions