Lionel Messi, who turned 39 on June 24, remains a prominent figure in world football, celebrated not only for his record-setting achievements but also for his enduring passion for the game. Currently playing for Inter Miami, Messi has made a lasting impact since his World Cup debut in 2006 and is now among the oldest players to have competed in the tournament.

Messi’s football journey began at a very young age in Rosario, Argentina. Born in 1987, he started playing organized football at age four for the local club Abanderado Grandoli, where his first coach was his father, Jorge Messi. His early love for the sport was evident as he played regularly with his brothers and cousins. Messi’s childhood affiliation was with Newell’s Old Boys, a well-known Rosario club, where he has expressed a desire to conclude his career.

Integral to Messi’s early development was his maternal grandmother, Celia Oliveira Cuccittini, who was his most ardent supporter during his youth. She frequently accompanied him to matches and actively advocated on his behalf, notably convincing club officials to allow Messi to play with older children. Her influence is reflected in Messi’s signature goal celebration; he raises both arms to the sky as a tribute to her memory following her death in 1998, five years before he made his debut for Barcelona’s senior team.

Messi’s path to professional football was shaped by challenges beyond the pitch. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that required expensive treatment, which his family could not afford. Despite approaching major Argentine clubs, no agreement was reached to cover the costs. In 2000, Messi’s father took him to Spain for a trial with FC Barcelona. After an impressive performance in which Messi scored five goals, the club agreed to cover his medical expenses. The commitment was famously sealed with a handwritten contract on a paper napkin by Barcelona’s sporting director, Carles Rexach. This napkin became a symbol of Messi’s humble beginnings and was sold at auction in February 2024 for £762,400.

Anecdotes from Messi’s youth further illustrate his determination and talent. His mother recounts one incident during a junior tournament when he was trapped in a stadium restroom and had to break a glass to escape. Upon rejoining the match, with his team trailing 2-0, Messi scored a hat-trick within 20 minutes, securing a comeback victory and earning the man-of-the-match award.

From his early days in Rosario to his status as a global football icon, Messi’s story is marked by family support, resilience, and prodigious skill that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.