Every football fan must know of a great footballer by
name Lionel Messi. Messi has accumulated many fans
for himself as a result of his skills in football. This great
and talented footballer who stands as a role model to
many football fans and players has made his way to
the top in the field of soccer. Barcelona FC is known to be celebrated today because of this great football
titan. Messi’s abilities in the football pitch has made
people perplexed and amazed at the way he handles
and controls ball in the pitch. His soccer talent is
simply unimaginable. He is an excellent genius as far
as football is concerned. Messi’s soccer skills made me develop interest in his background and success
story. Surely, Messi had his limitations but he strived
to overcome them and today, he is the most
celebrated, highest paid and world’s best soccer
player ever known. Now, let’s take a look at the success story of
Lionel Andres Messi: Lionel Andres Messi popularly known as Messi, is a renowned and one of the greatest soccer players
of our time. He is also the highest earning footballer in
the world. He plays the forward position for FC
Barcelona and Argentina national team.
Messi was born in the year 1987, June 24 at Rosario,
central Argentina. He was born into the family of Mr. Jorge Messi and Mrs. Celia Maria Cuccittin. Messi
wasn’t born with a golden spoon in his mouth. He
was from a poor family but he was destined for
greatness. Messi’s father: Mr. Jorge Messi, was a
factory steel worker while his Mother: Mrs. Maria
Cuccittin, worked as a part time cleaner. His parents were not financially buoyant but they were excellent
at parenting. Despite their financial challenges, Mr.
Jorge Messi was determined to bring out the best in
his children. He was a man who could see his
children’s future as a shining star that will never set.
He trained his children to embrace their talents and make a living out of it. “A man’s gift maketh way
for him.” Mr. Messi continuously encouraged his
children to discover their talents at their tender age. In
the process of rendering his parental duty, he
discovered Lionel Messi’s talent in soccer and
decided to help Messi develop his talent. At a tender age of five, Messi started playing ball for Grandoli: a
local football team club coached by his father. In 1995,
Messi switched to Newell’s old boys where he
became part of a local youth powerhouse. At his
tender age, Messi was popularly known as “the
machine of 87”. At the age of 11, Messi encountered one of his
greatest life-challenges; he was diagnosed with a
growth hormone deficiency which restricted his
growth. He was the shortest player in his team-
among his age grades, but that didn’t discourage
Messi. Even in the midst of challenges, he strived to survive.
Messi’s talent in soccer was so irresistible that
football clubs started showing interest in Him.
Argentina’s River plate FC showed interest in
Messi’s talent and was willing to sign him in as their
player but the deal was fruitless because they lacked the fund to sponsor Messi’s medical bill which costs
$900 per month. Messi was rejected by this club
because of his health condition. What can be more
discouraging than this? Yet, Messi never gave up.
Messi’s optimism rewarded him at the age of 13,
when the sporting director of FC Barcelona: Carlex Rexach, was made aware of messi’s talent in
soccer. Carlex discovered that Messi was greatly
talented and decided to invest in him. He offered Messi
a contract written on a napkin paper and also, offered
to sponsor Messi’s medical bills with the condition
that Messi relocates to spain. What a great offer? “A man’s gift maketh way for him.” Messi and his
father moved to spain where Messi was enrolled into
the club’s youth Academy-known for training and
producing excellent footballers.
Messi was determined to judiciously utilize the
opportunity given to him. So, he trained vigorously well and proved himself worthy which made him
have his first appearance for Barcelona at the age of
16. In may 2005, He broke record as the youngest
player to ever score a goal.
In 2009, Messi led Barcelona to success. Barca
became the first spanish club to ever capture the “treble”- winning the copa del Ray, La liga and
champions league tournament. After scoring 49 goals
in the 2009 season, his manager said, “Messi is the
best player he had ever seen.” Messi’s skills in
soccer made a prominent footballer; Maradona say,
“I can see myself in him.” I agree with the fact that Messi is a great, successful and highly talented
footballer. Have you ever noticed the confidence in
people whenever the ball rolls into Messi’s multi-
million dollars legs? You hear things like “Messi will
score a goal now” or “A goal is on the way” or
“yes! I trust Messi.” That is to show the level of confidence Messi has made people develop in him. At
the age of 25, Messi became the youngest player to
score 200 la liga goals. Messi is widely recognized as
the best player in the world and rated as the greatest
footballer of all times. He broke record by being the
first soccer player to win four FIFA/ Ballon d’or world’s player of the year award consecutively. He
was also the first to win three European Golden shoe
awards. On 16th Feb, 2013, Messi scored his 300th
Barcelona goal. Till today, Messi remains the highest
goal scorer ever known. In the year 2011, Messi’s
net worth was estimated at $110 million by forbes. On 18th September, Messi signed a new contract with
Barca running till 2016 and with a buy out clause of
£250 million included. As at Dec. 2012, Messi’s base
salary was raised to $21.2million after an
annoncement of the 5year contract extension signed
by Messi which will keep him at FC Barcelona until 2018 with his buy out clause still at £250 million. It is
pertinent you know that Messi is not just a talented
and successful footballer but also a great
philanthropist. His love for children made him to
launch Leo Messi’s foundation in 2007. His
foundation was established to support the education and health care of vulnerable children. In 2010, Lionel
Messi was also named a goodwill ambassador for
UNICEF. There are many lessons to learn from the success
story of this great footballer. A man now celebrated
and recognized for his outstanding talent. Despite his
limitations: his financial background, his health
condition, rejection, physical limitation, and so on, he
was still determined to make great use of his inherent ability. Today, the world has overlooked its limitations
and all they can see is his success. LIONEL’S SUCCESS PRINCIPLES: 1) Self-discovery
2) Determination 3) Perseverance 4) Personal development of his talent 5) Optimism 6) Dedication and Focus 7) Self-confidence Self-belief 9) Love for humanity 10) His act of charity Dear readers, thanks for reading this inspiring article.
Lillian encourages you all to continue striving towards
success. Never give up on your journey to greatness.
Just like Messi, we are all destined for Greatness;
never settle for anything less.