Are we looking at the greatest soccer player of all time? Check out today’s post and learn more about Lionel Messi
Many wonder whether the Argentine genius Lionel Messi could surpass great names in soccer such as Maradona or Pelé.
At first glance, the answer to this question is a bit more complex; however, we can certainly say that Messi is already part of the history of the great figures of world soccer.
One of the most recognizable faces in the world, he started very young. At just 7 years old, he began his career at the Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys, and at 13 he made his debut in Europe with Barcelona.
Today he is a renowned player, known worldwide and with a huge list of titles.
But do you really know all the details of Lionel Messi’s life? Did you know he was named after an American singer?
These and many other fun facts about the Argentine star you will discover in today’s post. Keep reading and learn more!
1- Tribute
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini was named Lionel in honor of the famous American singer Lionel Richie. When the player was born, in 1987, the artist was already making a name for himself with romantic songs.
2- Grandmother’s Support
The star’s talent was discovered early. Coach Salvador Aparício, from the amateur team Grandoli, was delighted by the skill and talent of a boy who was only 4 years old.
When he asked Messi’s mother whether the boy knew how to play, she refused because she considered him too young. However, his grandmother Célia said categorically: “Let the boy play.” For this reason, Messi considers his grandmother his main supporter.
Celia passed away in 1998, and since then the star has dedicated most of his goals to her, raising his fingers and pointing to the sky.
3- Growth problems
At age 9, Messi’s family discovered that the boy had a growth hormone deficiency.
For this, it was necessary to undergo treatment that was extremely expensive, between $1000.00 and $1500.00 per month. At first, the company where his father worked had health insurance, and together with the Argentine Social Assistance Service it was possible to cover the expenses.
However, the country was going through a financial crisis, and the treatment had to be interrupted.
At the same time, little Messi took some trials to join river Plate, a traditional team from Buenos Aires.
However, despite impressing the coaches, the team did not think it was worth paying Messi and his family’s housing expenses, much less his treatment. That was when Barcelona appeared in the young star’s life.
Carles Rexach, the club’s coach and a historic player, discovered the boy’s talent and took him to Barcelona. Messi and his family agreed to move to Spain in 2000. And that was how he was able to finish the treatment.
4- His first goal
In the 2004/2005 season, Lionel Messi won his first Spanish League title playing for Barcelona. His first goal was scored on May 1, 2005, against the team from Albacete.
5- The Dream of the Argentine National Team
Despite having received several invitations to join the Spanish national team, Messi always made it clear that his greatest dream was to wear the colors of his country’s jersey.
In the first major tournament as part of the Argentine national team, A pulga (a nickname used in Argentina to refer to small, gifted, and special players) achieved great success. At the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, he became champion, top scorer of the tournament, and won the Golden Ball. In this way, Messi managed to repeat Maradona’s feat, who was U-20 world champion in 1979.
6- Olympic Champion
In 2008, Messi took part in the Beijing Olympics wearing the Argentine national team jersey.
Although he was not the best player in the tournament, his participation was essential to winning the title. In a recent interview, the star stated that this gold medal is the most important title of his career.
7- Best in the World
After winning the Champions League in 2009 with Barcelona, La Pulga was named the best player in the world for the first time.
8. A record-breaking career
Lionel Messi is known for his record-breaking career. In 2012, he set an impressive record by scoring 91 goals in a single calendar year, surpassing Gerd Müller’s previous mark.
In addition, Messi holds the record for the highest number of FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, with seven wins.
These awards are given to the best soccer player in the world, and Messi won them in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2021, highlighting his consistency and excellence over the years.
Lionel Messi (Source-Google)
9- Extravagant outfits
Despite being known as a very reserved player who does not get involved in the fashion world, when it comes to formal wear, he knows how to stand out! One example of this was at the FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, where the player appeared in a black tuxedo with white polka dots.
10. Philanthropy:
Lionel Messi is known not only for his skills on the field, but also for his generous heart off it. He created the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007, with the aim of helping underprivileged children around the world.
The foundation focuses on areas such as health, education, and social inclusion, working to improve the living conditions of children in vulnerable situations.
Messi has donated millions of dollars to the foundation and actively participates in charity events and fundraising campaigns, demonstrating his commitment to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
