Lionel "Leo" Messi may be a global icon today, but once upon a time he was a young boy with big dreams in a small town in Argentina called Rosario. At that time Argentinian economy was not doing well and the people were suffering. In Rosario itself the unemployment rate around then was at least 20%. Messi was born in 1987, the third child out of four in his family. His parents both had blue collar jobs and they lived a humble life. Young Leo followed his brother and cousins to play football (soccer) every day. It was Messi's grandmother that eventually bought the young man his first football boots when he was 8 years old.
The new soccer shoes did the trick, and that year, when he was just 8 years old, Leo Messi joined the Newell Old Boys, a Rosario-based club. Over the following years, Leo played incessantly. But as he grew older, his height remained the same. His concerned parents eventually took their 11-year-old son to a doctor, who broke the news that the boy suffered from a growth hormone deficiency. This meant he was physically unable to grow unless he received special treatment, which would span 3 years and cost more than his family could afford. The Newell’s Old Boys club handed over a small sum to his embarrassed father, but that was all he ever received from them.
But good news was around the corner, as Messi skills on the field shone so brightly that he got invited to potentially join Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age 13. FC Barcelona’s youth academy offered to fully cover his medical bills, something the family desperately needed. Word is Messi's audition with the Spanish powerhouse team was so good that they could not wait to snap him up before anyone else and his first contract was signed on a napkin right at the pitch. Soon thereafter his entire family picked up and moved across the Atlantic to make a new home in Europe.
With Barcelona Messi honed his talent, his smaller than average stature giving him a low center of gravity that would become his trademark. With this physical advantage he was seemingly able to turn and accelerate a step quicker than those around him; and stand up on the ball against bigger players during practices. But visibly Messi was still smaller and younger than the other professional stars at Barcelona and the management were reluctant to play him on the first team, even though those practice sessions with the broader squad showed his talent and hard-working attitude on the pitch.
Eventually, Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho insisted that the Argentine come and sit among on the bench during a game, forcing the hand of the coaches and making them play him. Messi's senior debut for FC Barcelona in 2004 marked the beginning of an era. He quickly became a key player, forming a formidable attacking trio with Xavi and Iniesta. Fast forward very quickly and suddenly Leo Messi had 10 La Liga titles, 4 Champions Leagues, and a staggering 7 Ballon d'Or awards, solidifying his place as one of the greatest soccer players to ever play the game.
While club accolades piled up, Messi's international dream remained elusive and he seemed jinxed every time he put on the blue and white striped uniform of the Argentinian national side. Even though he had achieved unrivaled success at club level, he lived in the shadow of his countryman, Diego Maradona, who had won a World Cup title for Argentina. After heartbreak in both Copa America and the World Cup finals, it finally all came together a few years ago in 2021. Messi led his national team to Copa America glory and brought immense joy to his entire nation. He then capped it off with a phenomenal performance, guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. He had finally silenced his critics. And he had achieved his ultimate childhood dream of winning the World Cup for his country.
But Messi's true legacy extends beyond trophies and records. His playing style is pure joy, mesmerizing fans with his dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring prowess. He's a leader on and off the field, known for his humility and charitable work. He inspires millions, especially young players, proving that hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for the game can conquer any obstacle. As his career brought him back to the Americas to play competitively in the MLS for Inter Miami.
Despite joining the Florida team mid-season, Messi still made a significant impact in 2023. He contributed 6 goals and 5 assists in his 13 appearances, helping Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup championship. His arrival boosted fan interest and viewership for MLS, with Inter Miami experiencing sell-out crowds and increased media attention. The key question this season is whether Inter Miami, with a relatively new team built around Messi, can challenge for the MLS Cup after their promising preseason results.
Leo Messi's impact on the world of soccer is undeniable. He's a champion, an artist, and a role model, a true "Humble Hero" who rose from the streets of Rosario to captivate the world.
