From a boy with growth Deficiency to one of the Greatest Footballer within the realm of the game [ THREAD ]

Lionel Messi was born, 24 June 1987, in Rosario, Argentina to a working-class family. Messi’s father, Jorge, was a steelworker who also coached the local youth football team, and his mother a cleaner.

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, which was stopping his normal growth rate at a tender age of 11. His parents couldn’t afford his treatment of $900 per month.

Because his father’s medical insurance could only cover two years of treatment, Messi’s father started looking for alternatives. He was scouted by Buenos Aires club, River Plate, but they couldn’t afford his treatment as well.

Through their relatives in Catalonia, Messi’s family arranged a trial with Barcelona in September 2000. The first team director was so impressed that he sought to sign him immediately. Having no paper at hand, he wrote Messi’s first contract on a paper napkin

the contract also 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.

Because he was foreign, Messi wasn’t allowed to participate in the official youth team matches in his first year. Messi suffered from homesickness after his mother left for Argentina. He stayed with his father in Barcelona.

Messi was part of the “Baby Dream Team,” which was Barcelona’s greatest ever youth side. During his first full season with that team (2002-03), Messi was the top scorer with 36 goals in 30 games.

Messi was pursued by the Spanish Football Federation to join the Spanish Team. Messi declined the offer. To stop further pursuits, the Argentine Football Association organized two under-20 friendlies just so that they can finalize Messi’s status as an Argentine player in FIFA.

In the Copa Catalunya, Messi started on condition that he’ll wear a plastic protector mask to cover his broken cheekbone. After feeling uncomfortable, Messi took off the mask and scored 2 goals in 10 minutes before getting substituted.

Messi made his debut for Barcelona against RCD Espanyol at age 17. He became the third-youngest player to start for Barcelona and the youngest ever to score for the club.

After his first training session, Ronaldinho recognized the greatness of Messi and told his teammates that he’ll be even better than himself. He soon befriended Messi and called him his “little brother.”

Messi saved Juveniles A from relegation when he scored five goals in ten games, which includes a hat-trick scored in a Copa Del Rey match while being man-marked by Sevilla’s Sergio Ramos.

Messi’s first senior goal was assisted by Ronaldinho . On his 18th birthday, Messi signed his first contract as a senior team player. He had a buy-out clause of €150 million and the contract extended until 2010.

After his incredible performance against Juventus, Fabio Capello, back then Juventus coach, requested to loan Messi.

After Capello’s request, Inter Milan made a bid to buy Messi. They were willing to pay his €150 million release clause and triple his wages. According to the then-president Laporta, it was the only time when the club faced a real risk of losing him.He ultimately decided to stay

Because of an injury, Messi was ruled out from the 2006 UEFA Champions League final which Barcelona won against Arsenal in Paris. He was so disappointed that he did not celebrate that Champions League victory, something he later came to regret.

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Messi became the youngest player to represent Argentina in this competition . In his debut match, Messi became the sixth youngest player to score in FIFA World Cup.

On 2007, 19 year old Messi scored his first hat-trick in an El-Clasico, the first player to do so in 12 years. His goals equalized those of Real Madrid and the match ended in a 3-3 draw in extra time.

At just 20 years old, Messi received the nickname of “Messiah” from the Spanish media after his incredible performances.

Upon Ronaldinho’s departure in 2008, Messi was given the iconic number 10 shirt

Initially, Messi was barred by Barcelona from playing in the 2008 Summer Olympics as it coincided with Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League qualifiers. After interference from Pep Guardiola, he was allowed to play. Argentina went on to win the Olympic Gold Medals that year.