History logo

How Leonel Messi struggle?

Leonel Messi life history

By Saleh uddin HiraPublished 9 months ago 5 min read

Lionel Messi: A Life in Football
Early Life and Childhood
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. The third of four children, he was raised in a tight-knit, football-loving family. His father, Jorge Messi, worked in a steel factory, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, was employed as a cleaner. From an early age, Messi showed an extraordinary affinity for football, often playing with his older brothers and cousins.
Messi joined his first football club, Grandoli, a local team coached by his father, at the age of five. His talents soon became evident, and by the age of eight, he was playing for Newell’s Old Boys, a prominent club in Rosario. His youth career was marked by dazzling dribbles, precise passing, and an innate understanding of the game.
However, at the age of 10, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency (GHD), a condition that stunted his physical development. His family could not afford the expensive treatment, and while Newell’s provided some support, it wasn’t enough to cover the full cost. The situation seemed dire until a miracle happened from across the Atlantic.
Move to Barcelona and Youth Career
In 2000, when Messi was 13, he traveled to Barcelona, Spain, for a trial with FC Barcelona, arranged through contacts and agents. Carles Rexach, the club’s sporting director, was so impressed with Messi's abilities that he famously offered a contract on a napkin—one of football’s most iconic moments.
Barcelona agreed to cover his medical treatment and invited the Messi family to settle in Spain. Messi joined La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy. Though shy and reserved, Messi quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skills. His close control, low center of gravity, and explosive speed made him stand out among peers.
Professional Debut and Rise to Stardom
Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona on October 16, 2004, at the age of 17, against Espanyol. His first goal came on May 1, 2005, against Albacete, making him the youngest goal-scorer in the club's history at the time.
Under Frank Rijkaard, and later Pep Guardiola, Messi’s career skyrocketed. Initially playing alongside Ronaldinho, Messi evolved into the focal point of Barcelona's attack. Guardiola’s tactical system, built around short passing and positional play, complemented Messi’s style perfectly.
The Guardiola Era (2008–2012)
The period from 2008 to 2012 is considered Messi’s golden era. Under Guardiola, Messi played in a “false nine” role, and Barcelona dominated both domestic and European football.
Major Achievements:
La Liga titles: 2009, 2010, 2011
UEFA Champions League: 2009, 2011
Ballon d’Or wins: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Notable records: Most goals in a calendar year (91 goals in 2012)
Messi formed a deadly trio with Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, revolutionizing modern football. Barcelona's 2009 treble-winning season (La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League) was historic.
Continued Success and Individual Brilliance
Post-Guardiola, Messi continued to thrive under different managers: Tito Vilanova, Luis Enrique, and Ernesto Valverde. He adapted his style, becoming more of a playmaker while retaining his goal-scoring edge.
In 2015, under Luis Enrique, Messi led the famous attacking trio "MSN"—Messi, Suárez, Neymar—to another treble, winning the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey.
Records and Stats:
All-time top scorer for FC Barcelona (672 goals in 778 games)
Most goals in La Liga history
Most assists in La Liga history
International Career with Argentina
Youth Success:
Messi made his senior debut for Argentina in 2005 and won the FIFA U-20 World Cup the same year. In 2008, he led Argentina to a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
Challenges and Criticism:
Despite his club success, Messi faced criticism for underperforming with the national team. Argentina lost three major finals during his prime:
2014 FIFA World Cup final vs. Germany
Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016 (both to Chile)
In 2016, after the third loss, Messi temporarily retired from international football, citing frustration and emotional burnout. The nation pleaded for his return, and he eventually came back.
Triumph at Last:
In 2021, Messi finally achieved what had eluded him—he won the Copa América, beating Brazil in the final at the Maracanã. The victory was deeply emotional and cemented his legacy.
In 2022, Messi crowned his international career by leading Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored 7 goals, was named Player of the Tournament, and lifted the trophy after a dramatic final against France, which ended in a penalty shootout.
Departure from Barcelona and Move to PSG
Due to Barcelona's financial crisis and La Liga salary cap regulations, Messi’s contract renewal became impossible. In August 2021, Messi tearfully announced his departure after 21 years at the club.
He joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a two-year deal, reuniting with Neymar and playing alongside Kylian Mbappé. Though his first season was relatively quiet, he eventually adapted and helped PSG secure domestic titles.
Move to Inter Miami and MLS Impact
In 2023, Messi made a landmark move to Inter Miami CF in the Major League Soccer (MLS). His arrival boosted the profile of American soccer significantly. He led the team to win the Leagues Cup, their first trophy, and brought unprecedented media attention to MLS.
Messi’s move was more than a career choice—it was a cultural shift, bringing global attention to a growing football market.
Playing Style and Influence
Messi is often described as a complete footballer. He combines vision, dribbling, finishing, passing, and tactical intelligence. Notably, he:
Is famous for his left foot
Has a low center of gravity that aids his balance
Excels in both goal-scoring and playmaking
Comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo have defined an era. While Ronaldo is known for athleticism and power, Messi is seen as the natural genius with a poetic style of play.
Personal Life
Messi is known for his humility and introverted personality. He married his childhood sweetheart, Antonela Roccuzzo, in 2017. They have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
He has been involved in charity work through the Leo Messi Foundation, focusing on health and education for underprivileged children.
Despite occasional controversies (like tax issues in Spain), Messi is widely regarded as a model professional with an impeccable public image.
Awards and Honors
Club:
10× La Liga titles
7× Copa del Rey titles
4× UEFA Champions League titles
3× FIFA Club World Cups
International:
1× FIFA World Cup (2022)
1× Copa América (2021)
1× Olympic Gold Medal (2008)
1× FIFA U-20 World Cup (2005)
Individual:
8× Ballon d'Or (record)
6× European Golden Shoes
2× FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
Numerous records for goals, assists, and appearances
Legacy
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, if not the greatest. He transcended the sport, not only because of his technical abilities but also due to his story—overcoming physical adversity, staying loyal to his club, and finally achieving international glory.
He has influenced generations of players and fans with his elegance, sportsmanship, and humility. Beyond the records and trophies, Messi’s greatness lies in how he made football look like art.

BiographiesGeneralWorld HistoryDiscoveries

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.