Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian professional soccer player who plays forward for the Barcelona Club and the Argentina national team. He is titled as one of the most outstanding footballers in history. Remarkably, Messi helped Barcelona win more than two dozen league titles and tournaments. 

Messi moved from Argentina to Spain at the age of 13 to agree that FC Barcelona pays for his medical treatments. In 2012, Messi had set a new record for most goals in a calendar year. Later on, in 2019, he became Europe's Ballon d'Or winner for the sixth time.

Without any doubt, Lionel Messi is an idol in the heart of the world. He is well-known for his speed and flawless attacking style. Fans and players have compared him with the famous Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona. 

Lionel Messi's Tough Childhood

People recognize his hard work and continuous success he has pushed throughout his soccer career. Unfortunately, there is a sad story behind this great player. As a kid, Messi's body size is smaller than most kids in his age group. 

Eventually, Messi was diagnosed as having suffered from a hormone deficiency that restricted his growth. This disease requires him to have monthly hormone injections, which cost several hundred dollars per month. 

As a matter of fact, his parents cannot afford his medication. Thanks to his finest talent, Lionel Messi finally found his sponsor when he was offered the chance to train at FC Barcelona's youth academy at the age of 13. Now his current salary is 71 million EUR.

All-time Highlights of Lionel Messi in FC Barcelona:

-Appearances: 687

-Goals: 603

-Assists: 251

-Shot accuracy: 48 percent

-Chances created: 348

Lionel Messi’s Soccer Career and Teams

1. Argentina National Team: Since August 2005, Shirt Number: 10

2. FC Barcelona: October 2004, Shirt Number: 10, Annual Salary: $85.8 million