Lionel Messi’s journey from a young boy in Rosario to one of football’s greatest players is filled with remarkable stories and achievements.
From overcoming a growth hormone deficiency to building a successful business portfolio and developing a famous rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s career extends far beyond his performances on the pitch.
Here are 10 interesting facts about the Argentine football icon.
#10: Early childhood and career
Lionel Andrés Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, on June 24, 1987. He started playing football at a very young age and quickly attracted attention during his time in Newell’s Old Boys’ youth system.
His performances caught the attention of several clubs, including FC Barcelona, who offered him an opportunity to join their renowned youth academy, La Masia.
After moving to Barcelona, Messi quickly began making an impression. Playing for the club’s under-14 team, he scored 21 goals in 14 matches before rapidly progressing through the ranks and making his first-team debut at just 16.
#9: His first contract
One of the most famous stories from Messi’s early career concerns how he secured his first agreement with Barcelona.
During a trial, Barcelona executive Carles Rexach was impressed by the 12-year-old Messi and quickly recognised his exceptional ability. Concerned that another club could sign the youngster, Rexach decided to secure his commitment immediately.
With no formal contract available at the time, Messi signed an agreement on a paper napkin that Rexach had obtained from a waiter.
The unusual document became an important part of football history. The agent who helped secure the deal still has the napkin, which has been preserved in a frame.
#8: His growth hormone deficiency
At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, a condition that meant his body was not producing enough hormones for normal growth.
His condition and relatively small stature caused some clubs to have reservations about signing him. The treatment he required was also expensive and difficult for his family to afford.
Barcelona eventually agreed to cover the cost of his treatment after he joined the club.
Despite his height, Messi went on to prove that his physical stature would not prevent him from competing at the highest level of football.
#7: Off the pitch and personal life
Despite being one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, Messi has generally maintained a private personal life.
He is married to fellow Argentine Antonela Roccuzzo, and they have three children together.
Away from football, Messi has also developed a passion for video games and has been associated with FIFA, appearing on the cover of the game several times.
He is also known for his interest in music, particularly reggaeton and Latin music. Although he keeps much of his personal life away from the spotlight, Messi has maintained a reputation for humility and composure away from football.
#6: His business portfolio
Messi’s success has extended beyond football, with the superstar building a significant commercial portfolio throughout his career.
One of his most notable partnerships has been with sportswear giant Adidas, with whom he signed a lifetime deal reportedly worth millions of dollars annually.
He has also worked with major international brands including Pepsi, Huawei and Gillette.
Messi has ventured into fashion through collaborations and has also worked with American watchmaker Jacob & Co. on his own collection.
In addition, he has established a sports investment company, further expanding his interests away from the football pitch.
#5: Legacy and departure from FC Barcelona
Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and is also considered by many to be the greatest player ever to represent Barcelona.
During his time at the club, he broke numerous records and delivered countless memorable performances, helping to redefine what it meant to be a franchise player and global sporting superstar.
However, his remarkable Barcelona career eventually came to an end because of contractual and financial difficulties.
Although Messi is no longer a Barcelona player, his name remains deeply connected to the club and its history.
#4: Record breaker
Messi’s record-breaking career has produced extraordinary numbers at both club and international level.
He holds numerous Barcelona records and has also set several milestones in La Liga, including records for goals and hat-tricks.
He has scored more goals than any other player in Barcelona’s history and has also established himself as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Messi is also among the select group of players to have scored more than 100 goals in UEFA competitions, alongside his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
#3: His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
The debate over who should be regarded as football’s greatest player has frequently centred on Messi and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
For years, their performances and achievements have been compared, with both players developing different styles while consistently producing remarkable goalscoring numbers.
The rivalry became even more prominent after Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, Barcelona’s biggest domestic rival, making their El Clásico encounters particularly significant.
Despite the intense comparisons surrounding them, both players have publicly acknowledged and respected each other’s achievements throughout their careers.
#2: Charity work
Messi has used his wealth and global influence to support charitable causes and help disadvantaged people.
In 2007, he established the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on supporting vulnerable children and young people, including those facing health challenges.
His own experience with growth hormone deficiency has also been linked to his interest in helping children dealing with medical difficulties.
Messi has worked with other charitable organisations and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2010.
Over the years, he has also made donations and supported humanitarian initiatives around the world, using his profile to contribute to causes beyond football.
#1: Putting the MLS on notice
Following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer in July 2023.
His arrival immediately generated enormous attention for both the club and the league, attracting new audiences and increasing commercial interest in MLS.
Inter Miami quickly became one of the league’s biggest attractions, with demand for tickets increasing significantly following Messi’s arrival.
According to StubHub, the average price of a ticket to watch an Inter Miami home match rose from $152 to $329.
Messi’s move also contributed to increased interest in MLS’ streaming platform, Apple TV, with reports estimating that about 288,000 new subscriptions were generated in the month following his arrival.
His arrival in the United States therefore represented more than a major transfer; it marked a significant moment for the growth and global visibility of Major League Soccer.