Everyone knows Messi, GOAT is one of the footballers ever but the story behind the trophies is just as interesting. Here are ten facts from his life.
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| Leonal Messi |
1. He grew up in Rosario Argentina
Messi was born on June 24 1987 in Rosario. He joined the youth teams of Newells Old Boys, where his grandmother Celia was a champion of his talent.
2. He faced a health challenge as a child
At around age 10 or 11 he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. The treatment was expensive. His family struggled to afford it.
3. A contract was famously scribbled on a napkin
Barcelonas sporting director, Carles Rexach was so impressed that in 2000 he reportedly wrote an offer on a napkin. The club then agreed to cover Messis treatment and the family moved to Spain when he was 13.
4. He debuted for Barcelona at 17
In 2004 he became one of the players to play for the senior team. He quickly went from prospect to the clubs centrepiece.
5. He has won the Ballon d'Or eight times
His wins came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 2021 and 2023 than any other player.
6. He scored 91 goals in a calendar year
In 2012 he broke Gerd Müllers long-standing record for goals in a calendar year across club and country.
7. He won Olympic gold in 2008
Before his senior international trophies he helped Argentina win gold at the Beijing Games.
8. He waited years for a trophy with Argentina
After several painful finals he finally lifted the 2021 Copa América. In December 2022 he captained Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar.
9. His Barcelona exit was emotional
In 2021 he left the club he had been at since childhood in tears at his farewell press conference. He then played for Paris Saint-Germain and in 2023 he joined Inter Miami in the US.
10. He supports children through his foundation
The Leo Messi Foundation focuses on health, education and opportunities for children. Off the pitch he's a family man, married to his childhood friend Antonela Roccuzzo with three sons: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.
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