© Israel Arogbonlo

Lionel Messi (a.k.a Leo) is an Argentine-Barcelona footballer widely known as one of the greatest players of the modern generation. He has won FIFA world player of the year four times.

Lionel Messi was born, 24 June 1987, in Rosario, Argentina to a working-class family. His father was a factory steel worker, and his mother a cleaner. Blessed with a wife, Antonella Roccuzzo and two sons: Thiago, who was born on 2 November 2012 and Mateo, born in April 2015 respectively.

He has often been described as Diego Maradona’s successor because of his prolific goal scoring record and ability to dribble past opponents.

“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius, and he can become an even better player.
His potential is limitless, and I think he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player”
– Diego Maradona

He began playing from an early age, and his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunted growth and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human growth hormone.

His local club, River Plate were interested in signing Messi but didn’t want to pay for his medical treatment. However, Messi was given a trial with Barcelona, and coach Carles Rexach was impressed – offering Messi a contract (written on a paper napkin!), which included paying for Messi’s treatment in Spain.

Messi moved to Barcelona with his father and became part of the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy.

Messi progressed through the ranks and was given his first appearance in the 2004/05 season becoming the youngest player to score a league goal.

In 2006, Messi was part of the double winning team which won both La Liga (Spanish League) and Champions League. By next season, (2006 - 07) aged just 20, Messi was the first choice striker and an essential part of the Barcelona team – scoring 14 goals in 26 league games.

In the 2009 -10 season, Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo’s record total for Barcelona. As the seasons have progressed, Messi kept improving and breaking his own records.

In the calendar year of 2012, he broke the all-time world record for most goals scored in a calendar year. His final total of goals in 2012 was 91 – beating the previous record of 85 by German Gerd Muller, and Pele’s milestone of 75 in 1958.

Today, Messi is considered the highest paid athlete with Net worths of about $127m followed by his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo's estimated at around $109m. Indeed, Messi is a million in one player that keeps making a great impact in the world of sports particularly football. We are blessed to have such a star during this age.

Happy birthday Leo!

Happy birthday one of a kind

happy birthday G.O.A.T

GOAT

Happy birthday to the god of soccer.

eugenenwajei:
happy birthday G.O.A.T

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