In regards to the world of football, people around the world have many different opinions. One thing everything can agree upon is that Lionel Messi is undeniably one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Messi is the only player on earth with seven Ballon d’Or awards, he has the most assists from anyone in football history, and he holds the most goals in La Liga, the Supercopa de Espana, the UEFA Super Cup, and is among few in the world to score a total of seven goals in a world cup. Stats like these just show how incredibly dominant he is among the world of football.
He’s become one of the most decorated athletes in the world, and anyone would dream to have a life of his. But his idealistic life hasn’t always been perfect. Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe to a lower-class family with a major love of football. He didn’t have much, but he and his brothers didn’t let that stop them from playing football. He started playing from a very young age and was first influenced by his grandmother, who also shared a burning passion for the beautiful game. Messi joined his local club at the age of four where he was coached by his father, Jorge Messi. Lionel was a gifted player and seemed to have a bright future, until things took a turn for the worse.
At the age of ten, Lionel was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. It seemed he might never have a chance at being a professional athlete. Messi didn’t let this stop him though, as this only made him want to be better. He kept working hard and things were looking up until his greatest influence, his grandmother, passed away not far from his eleventh birthday. Ever since then, he’s honored her by pointing up to the sky in remembrance of her after every goal.
In late 2000 when Lionel was only thirteen years old, his family arranged a trial with the club Barcelona F.C. The first team director saw his talent and immediately tried to sign him, but due to his size and age, the board of directors was hesitant. Eventually, Messi was in fact given a contract and his family relocated to Barcelona early the next year. While Messi was now signed, he was soon met with difficulties regarding a transfer conflict from his old club. Because of this, during the duration of his first year, he could only take the field in friendlies and the Catalan league. Eventually, the conflicts were resolved and the following year he was officially a part of the team.
In my columns this semester, I will be going through the illustrious career of Lionel Messi and analyzing all of his incredible achievements, accomplishments, and records that may never be broken for years to come.
