Who is Lionel Messi?

Luis Lionel Andrés ("Leo") Messi is an Argentine football player who plays as a forward for FC Barcelona club and the Argentina national team. At the age of 13, Messi moved from Argentina to Spain after FC Barcelona agreed to pay for his medical treatment.

There he earned a reputation as one of the greatest players in history, helping his club win more than two dozen league titles and tournaments. In 2012, he set the record for most goals scored in a calendar year, and in 2019 he won Europe's Ballon d'Or for the sixth time.

Lionel Messi is one of the most famous and successful football players in the world. In his life, he overcame his lack of money, physical limitations and poor upbringing to become one of the greatest football players in history. There are many people who blame their financial situation and say that it prevented them from taking action, that I lacked the means to advance or that I was physically inadequate and not qualified for the position. Those who regularly invent all kinds of excuses and accept what happens in life as God's will blame their fate. But this superstar footballer was different from everyone. He beat all the odds in his life and aimed to become one of the most famous footballers worldwide and he succeeded.

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players in the world, is an example of meek behavior. Friends, Messi's life story is also a person who overcomes all challenges in his way

Life and struggle

Despite being from a middle-class family and born in Argentina on June 24, 1987, Lionel Messi had an often difficult upbringing. His mother was a working woman and his father Jorge Messi was a steel mill manager. Messi's parents were passionate football supporters, resulting in their children developing a love for the sport at an early age.

You may be surprised that Messi first showed his love and passion for football at a very young age. After noticing the talent of the young player, Messi's father encouraged him to join a local football training club at the age of five so that he could learn the game well and become a huge football star.

Seeing his son's passion and talent for the game, Messi's father taught him personally. George maintained Leo's training; He acted as a model father, trying his best to raise his son despite financial constraints. At just 8 years old, Lionel Messi was accepted into the football team known as New Wales Old Boys because of his outstanding football skills. Because of his extraordinary ability during the game where everyone looked up to him, Messi's charm attracted the interest of notable and prominent football teams at such a young age.

He was a huge football fan. He constantly worked on himself. He was getting better every day. He started playing when he was just eight years old, at that young age when he got football in his stride and players playing alongside him. It used to take about 15 to 20 minutes to take away the football from him. Local people used to throw money in joy watching him play. His potential as a football player was obvious to his family. He was really satisfied with his life. He enjoyed it immensely. He wanted to play football professionally when he grew up, so he represented his country.

Argentina's government was forced to pass a novel law a few years ago because of Messi. As a result, no Argentinian parents were allowed to name their child Messi. Due to Messi's immense fame, the administration believed that Messi would be given the name to many children and that this could lead to identity problems. It was a future-focused decision. The government officially announced this news. At the moment, the name Messi cannot be used as a middle name for children. Messi's name and biography are known to everyone. But suffering is what made him Messi.

He has millions of fans worldwide. Over the years, football players and spectators have looked up to this outstanding and skilled player. Barcelona FC now has a distinct reputation due to its outstanding football success. His football skills are amazing. He gets a lot of audience to watch his game. Because of his football prowess, viewers are interested in Messi's background and success story. Naturally, Messi was not without his faults. But he never stopped working to overcome them. Due to his efforts he is currently one of the most well-known, highly compensated and elite football players in the world.

Lionel Messi's Family and Early Years

On June 24, 1987, Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He is also known as Lionel Andres Messi by his full name. Messi's fans jokingly refer to him as Leo, Atomic Flea, La Pulga, La Pulga Atomica and Macedonia. His father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was a manager who worked in a steel mill. His mother Celia Maria Cuccitini was a housewife. Messi's two brothers, Rodrigo Messi is the elder brother and Matis Messi is his younger brother. He also has a sister, Maria Sol Messi.

Although Massey's household was short of cash, her father was adamant. He said that he will give his child all the opportunities that will take him forward. As a child, Messi loved to play with his older brothers. As a child, Messi loved spending time with his grandmother, who was always there to support him.

He also got his first football uniform at the insistence of his grandmother. At that time his grandmother wanted Messi to play football. At the age of 4, he became the first member of the neighborhood soccer team Granddolly. His grandmother always inspired him by saying “One day, Leo, you will be the best soccer player in the world.

Messi's battle

At the age of 4, Messi joined his first soccer team. Then, at 8, he started attending football games for Newell's Old Boys in his hometown of Rosario. At this point football has already surpassed all importance for Messi. He once maintained an unbroken practice schedule day and night.

Football was a source of inspiration for him. Messi's grandmother died when he was ten years old. Messi was shocked. He didn't even touch a football for days. But later, persuaded by his father, he took up football again. Even today when Messi scores a goal in a football match, he raises his hands in memory of his grandmother. After his soccer practice, Messi worked as a tea and coffee store server in his spare time. So that he can help his family financially. Messi had a significant hurdle to overcome when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 10. It was his significant illness at the time of his diagnosis. This prevented his progress in height.

The procedures and treatments required to treat his disease were very expensive. Messi's family was not financially able to afford such an expensive therapy. Despite the uproar, Messi never felt defeated or disheartened. Although his play was always of the highest caliber compared to other youngsters his age, his height was not increasing, but he was still doing quite well in football. Macy's medical bills were about $1000 per month, which was covered by insurance for two years.

Messi, however, did not give up. He never let his spirit weaken, not even in the face of adversity. He never gave up and kept trying to move forward, and Messi never lost hope even after facing many hardships in life.
personal life

Messi has a long-time girlfriend named Antonella Roccuzzo. She is a model by profession and a trained dietician. She had a long-term romantic connection with him and they supported each other through thick and thin. They have two children together. Thiago Messi (born November 2, 2012) and their second child Mato Messi Rucuzzo (born September 11, 2015). The two were not married when they became parents. Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo were partners for several years before getting married on June 30, 2017. Before their marriage, they had these two children. After marriage they had a daughter and named her Ciro Messi Roccuzzo.

Primary achievement

Messi made his debut in the 2000 and 2005 game seasons, broke the record for the youngest player to play in the league and became the league's youngest goalscorer. After that, Messi did not look back. Messi played for Argentina in his first FIFA World Cup in 2006 and on Argentina's Olympic football team; Messi won his first international honor—an Olympic gold medal—in Beijing in 2008. Messi had a wealth of talent, and everyone would go wild watching him play with such finesse.

Messi scored a total of 49 goals in the 2009 campaign. "I see myself in Messi," exclaims one of Maradona's Messi fans. Messi made history by scoring 200 La Liga goals at just 25 years old. He created history by becoming the first football player to win the tea cup award twice in a row.
Lionel Messi debuts in FC Barcelona.

Barcelona heard about Messi and his struggles. Someone told FC Barcelona director Carles Rexach about his unbeatable talent in football. Then he adds a condition that applies only if this man proves to be a genius. Therefore, all his expenses will be covered. But he must leave Argentina and go to Spain. Messi's parents moved to Barcelona.

Carles Rexach watched Messi play. He believed Messi had the talent and drive to excel as a football player. Still, despite everything, no one wanted to invest much money in a 13-year-old kid because of the extra cost of Messi's care and other expenses.

After considerable consideration, he decided to support Messi. He did not change anything and wrote the contract on a napkin. In addition, he offered to manage Messi's medical care. Messi joined the Barcelona team's youth academy and is now credited with developing the talented footballer through training.

Lionel Messi made the right choice to seize this opportunity. When he first entered the club's changing room. Everyone was suspicious because of his short stature. After a few sessions, that uncertainty became a surprise. Messi has progressed quickly in Barcelona's structure. He started polishing his skills under proper guidance. He was undergoing treatment at that time. Injections will be given every seven days, in one leg. Next week on the opposite leg.
Lionel Messi - First international match for Barcelona club

First international game for the Barcelona club, Lionel Messi appeared on the field in 2003 at the age of 16 and started playing for the Barça team. Porto Club was ahead of them. He was cheered by the coach when he appeared in front of the crowd in his first game. He was pushed relentlessly, yet he smashed four defenders for a six. At the age of 18, he made his debut for his country on August 17, 2005 against Hungary. After that he never looked back. Keep raising the flag of achievement. Argentine legend Maradona watched Messi play. He then announced - "I am aware of that player. Who will play Argentinian football in my place? His name is Messi. I see hints of myself in his game".
Lionel Messi has the support of the great footballer Ronaldo

The most advantageous event for Messi was when he got the chance to work with a great player like Ronaldo. Messi's performance at that time blew Ronaldo away. He also mentioned to Messi that this young man will surpass me one day. Together, they contributed to numerous victories for Barcelona.

Messi mentioned Ronaldo in his statement, as I said earlier. He taught me a lot. I learned from what he did for me. I will be forever grateful to him for that. I had the opportunity to use the same changing room as a famous athlete. I usually feel lucky for that. His smile will forever be in my memory.
Lionel Messi Achievements and Records

Every year Messi's performance improves. His outstanding performances in the 2008–09 season helped Barcelona win the various titles for the third time. Messi is named in the Guinness Book of World Records for most goals scored in a year in 2012; He scored 91 goals. He broke the record set by the legendary German player Gerd Müller. In 1972, Müller set the record mark with 85 goals in a calendar year. Messi scored his 200th La Liga goal at the age of 25, becoming the youngest player to do so. He broke a milestone by becoming the first player to win four consecutive FIFA awards.

Additionally, he is the first athlete to receive three European Golden Shoes. On February 16, 2013, Messi debuted for Barcelona. His 300th goal. He is the only player in Spanish La Liga with 300 goals. Under his captaincy, Argentina reached the World Cup finals in 2014. He was awarded the Golden Ball in recognition of his outstanding achievements 

With a total salary of $127 million in 2019, Messi topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes. Also, Messi has set other records that will not be easy for any player to break.

The best footballer in the world for the 7th time

In July 2021, Messi led Argentina to the Copa America Cup championship. He scored four goals, which tied him for the team lead. He assisted five goals while there. Besides, Messi led Barcelona by scoring goals in the Spanish division of La Liga. But the team came third. For Barcelona, he scored twice in the Copa del Rey championship.

In 2021, Messi won the Ballon d'Or trophy as the most outstanding player for a record seventh time. French football magazine "Ballon d'Or" has awarded the best footballer every year since 1956, although Covid-19 made it impossible to hold the ceremony the previous year.
Net worth

Messi has often been lured to play for other football clubs with significant funding. But he is consistently committed to Barcelona FC. He is one of the highest paid footballers in the world. His annual base compensation in 2018 was 16 million euros. In addition, he is worth 110 million euros. After basketball player LeBron James and football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, this proves that Messi is the second-best-paid athlete in the world and the third-highest paid soccer player. Regarded as the greatest football player of all time, he has appeared as the public face of huge brands such as Turkish Airlines, Adidas, Pepsi and EA Sports.
Lionel Messi Controversy

He was discovered to have been involved in the following controversies:
He was under investigation in 2013 for possible tax evasion. His identity was also exposed in the 2016 Panama Papers data breach.
Also, he came under fire after announcing his retirement from international football following the Copa America defeat.
Messi was arrested on the football field in July 2016 after a court in Barcelona found him and his father guilty of three counts of tax fraud. During the four-day trial, Messi and his father argued that they had broken no laws and were unaware of the tax fraud. Despite this, he received a 21-month sentence. Under Spanish law, Messi and his father must pay a 2 million euro fine if the charges are suspended instead of being jailed within two years.
Thus, he faced various difficulties in his professional life.

Perhaps we can learn from Lionel Messi's life how one can overcome the challenges in his path with willpower and talent to achieve success. However, you must pay attention, and when something terrible happens in your life, you should care about finding a solution instead of panicking.