The Full Story of a Football Legend who is best known by the nickname “La Pulga“. Our Lionel Messi Childhood Story plus Untold Biography Facts bring to you a full account of notable events from his childhood time to date. The analysis involves his family background, life story before fame, rise to fame story, relationship and personal life. https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1052954/ https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1056712/ https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1103866/ https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1053004 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1108085 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1110393 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1110418 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1108252 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1105454 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1110428 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1107926 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1108622 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1105749 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1108326 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1108757 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1112043 https://new.c.mi.com/th/post/1109990 Yes, everyone knows of his years’ long rivalry with C Ronaldo. However, only a few consider Lionel Messi’s Biography which is quite interesting. Now without further ado, let's begin from here. Early Life and Family Background Lionel Messi was born on the 24th day of June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. He was the third of four children born to his mother Celia Cuccittini (a cleaner) and to his father Jorge Messi (worker at a local steel plant). Young Messi who is of Italian and Spanish Descent from his father’s side and purely Italian from his mother’s side grew up in Rosario alongside his elder brothers Matias, Rodrigo and his younger sister Maria Sol. He showed an early interest in football by playing the sport with his elder brothers and cousins; Maximiliano and Emanuel Biancucchi (now professional footballers) Lionel Messi Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts –The Woman Who Saw Messi’s Future Messi was aged 4 when his grandmother, Celia saw the makings of a football star in him. She was the only one at the time who wanted to see Messi become a footballer and to that end, took the kid to his first football training sessions at Grandoli local football club, goading him with the words: “ONE DAY, YOU WILL BE THE BEST FOOTBALL PLAYER IN THE WORLD” So great was grandma Celia support that she not only persuaded Messi’s parents to buy him his first pair of football boots but tasked the then coach of the local club on including her grandson in the match squad. Sadly, Celia died when Messi was aged 10, he however, celebrates her memory by raising his hands to the heavens whenever he scores. The Boy Who Stopped Growing Shortly after the death of Messi’s grandmother, his parents discovered that he had extremely stopped growing up when compared with his peers. Messi’s concerned parents eventually took him to a doctor who disclosed that he was suffering from a growth hormone deficiency. A condition which meant he would only grow up if administered a special treatment that costs $1,500 per month at the time. Messi’s father could not afford the costs of his treatment and as result sought help from Newell’s Old Boys, a club which the football prodigy played for at the time. The club offered little help while Jorge Messi continued to search for a way to cover the treatment. The family had reason to heave sighs of relief when Messi was scouted by Buenos Aires club River Plate. However, the club was unwilling to cover Messi’s medical expenses. Barcelona To The Rescue Succour eventually arrived when FC Barcelona‘s technical director, Charly Rexach heard stories concerning a certain young 13-year-old who had similar talents to legendary Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona. The director wasted no time in sending an offer to Messi’s family promising to foot the medical bills if the talented teenager passed trial (which he of course did) and take up residence in Spain. Thus came about Messi’s exodus with his father across the Atlantic ocean to Spain. Upon arrival, Messi presented himself to the club, impressing Charly Rexach who watched with awe as to how the small teenager handled could handle a ball. He thereafter offered Messi a contract that was written on paper napkin!. Progress Through Ranks While at the academy systems of FC Barcelona, Messi was a quiet boy who was initially mistaken to be mute by his teammates. Although homesick, he established himself early as a natural player with good dribbling instincts. His routine at the time includes training during daytime and receiving shots of hormones growth injections in his legs at night. The routine continued while Messi progressed through the club ranks and could grow naturally when he was aged 16 in 2003. He made his debut with FC Barcelona first team that same year during a friendly against José Mourinho’s Porto. The impressive performance he put up at the game won him positive ratings by sports writers while Barça’s star player (at the time) Ronaldinho spoke highly of Messi’s Talent and Befriended him. Rise To Fame Messi’s career at Barcelona got better and better through the years and reached its first all-time high during 2008–09 season when he helped Barcelona achieve the first treble in Spanish football, a development which among many others saw him win the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year when he was 22 years old. The rest, as they say, is history. Relationship Life Messi has been long married to his childhood sweetheart known as Antonella Roccuzzo. Although the couples knew each other since they were 5 years, it was only 8 years later that they met officially through Lucas Scaglia, Antonella’s cousin and a close friend of Messi. The lovebirds kept in touch while Messi was building a career in Spain until 2008 when she moved to be with him in Barcelona. They got married 9 years later after giving birth to two sons. Fast forward to date their relationship is blessed with three sons, Thiago Messi (born November 2, 2012), Mateo Messi (born September 15, 2015) and Ciro Messi (born March 10, 2018). Family Life Messi was born into a family of 6 members, we bring you details about his supportive family. About Messi’s Father: Messi’s father Jorge Messi, was born in 1958. He worked at a steel plant before assuming the role of a coach at Grandoli local football club. Jorge who stuck with his son through thick and thin now serves as his agent, a role he has filled for decades. About Messi’s Mother: Messi’s mother Celia Cuccittini worked as a part-time cleaner and was much closer to her last son. She currently helps in managing his charity foundation. About Messi’s Brothers: Messi enjoyed the company of two elder brother’s who he grew up playing football with. They include; Rodrigo Messi and Matias Messi. Rodrigo Messi born on the 10th of February 1980 manages Messi’s daily schedule and publicity. Matias Messi (born June 23, 1982) is also a professional footballer who is in charge of Lionel Messi Foundation. He was in 2016 caught in illegal possession of a gun and ordered to teach football classes in his native city for a whole year. About Messi’s Sister: Messi has a younger sister in the person of Maria Sol Messi. The only female sibling of the family grew up being treated like a queen by her elder brothers. Meaning Behind Nicknames Messi has two interesting nicknames which are borne out of his decades’ long career. They include “Messidona” and “La Pulga”. He was nicknamed Messidona after his stunning goal against Getafe in the 2007 Copa del Rey semi-final. The goal is considered by many to have a resemblance to the one which Maradona scored against England at the 1986 World Cup. On the other hand, Messi is known as “La Pulga”, a Spanish word that translates as “The Flea”. Yes, Messi is like a flea, little and harasses defenders. In some quarters he’s unofficially known as “The GOAT” an acronym which translates as The Greatest of All Times. Tattoos Messi has no fewer than 7 Tattoos we bring you meanings behind the inks on the football legend. Beginning from his upper body is a Tatoo of his loving mother on his back, a sign of how much he cherishes her. He has a tattoo of Jesus (1) on his triceps in respect to his religious roots, Similarly, the Roman Catholic church in Barcelona appears prominently on his right arm alongside a closed lotus flower (2) and a rose window of the Church building (3). The lotus flower symbolises that talent can grow anywhere against all odds while the rose window of the famous Barcelona church Sagrada Familia shows the love he has for the city. Finally, his left leg is completely covered with unclear ink save for the number 10 which is his Jersey number. Personal Life Facts Lionel Messi is loved unconditionally by million’s of people around the world for playing his game right with an eye on his goal regardless of foul plays being thrown at him. Thus, he is an exemplary embodiment of perseverance, dedication, and presence of mind. More so, he is a humble and down to earth person who does not play for fame but plays to express himself. His contributions to make the world a better place through his “Lionel Messi Foundation” cannot be overemphasized. Away from Philanthropy, he is a Loving father and good husband. It suffices to say Lionel Messi belongs to the category of living legends who rarely grace a generation.