Lionel Messi; the little genius.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi is unarguably one the best footballers the world has ever seen. Messi found his way in the youth ranks of Newell's Old Boys. His career at the club was cut short when it was found he needed treatment for a hormonal
illness, putting his future as a football star in danger. Messi’s parents moved to Spain as even the wealthiest Argentine clubs refused to cover Messi’s expensive treatment costs.
Messi was amongst many who trialed for Barcelona’s youth team. The Catalan coaches were amazed to see the little genius and spotted his talent in his first trial. Barcelona decided to sign Messi and agreed to pay for his treatment. His growth at the club
was evident and was soon recognized as one of the great talents at the club.
Messi made his first team debut for Barcelona in a friendly match against Porto on 16 November 2003 at the age of 16. A year later, Frank Rijkaard gave him his league debut making him the third youngest player ever to have played for Barcelona. Messi has
praised his ex-coach Rijkaard on many occasions, "I'll never forget the fact that he launched my career, that he had confidence in me while I was only sixteen or seventeen." Messi has had an illustrious career at the Camp Nou. Barcelona has won 2 UEFA Champions
League titles and 4 league titles since he became a regular in the first team squad. Messi was awarded the FIFA world player of the year award in 2009 and many believe he will be bestowed with more awards in the near future. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, after
a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona said, “Once he’s on the run, Messi is unstoppable. He’s the only player who can change direction at such a pace. He is the best player in the world by some distance. He can take advantage of every mistake we make.” Messi
has scored 149 goals for his club in 249 appearances.
Messi’s international career however, has been been far from impressive. For an average player his performance at Argentine would be more than satisfactory but not for a player as talented as Messi. He has often been criticized for not putting in a full
hearted performance on the field with an Argentinean outfit. He made a horrendous debut for his national side against Hungary on 17 August 2005. He was put on the field as a substitute on the 63rd minute and was sent off less than 2 minutes later
when the referee found he has headbutted defender Vilmos Vanczak for tugging his shirt. In the 2006 FIFA world cup, Messi failed to inspire his side to world cub glory. In fact, he was put on the bench for the quarter finas against Germany by coach Jose Pekerman,
a game Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties. In the 2010 edition of the FIFA world cup, all eyes were on the world player of the year Lionel Messi. Messi inspired his team to victory in all of their group stage matches and the round of 16 match against Mexico.
Even though Messi failed to put his name on the score sheet in any of the matches, his performance in every match was well appreciated. Argentina’s world cup ended with a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Germany. Messi has scored 15 goals in 53 matches for his
national side.
Messi is already having a phenomenal 2010-2011 season with Barcelona; and his 92nd minute solo goal for Argentina against Brazil has earned him the long awaited affection he has desired from his home country. With plenty of years left in him,
Messi undoubtedly has the ability to become 'the' greatest of all time.
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