At the age of 11, Messi encountered one of his greatest life-challenges; he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency which restricted his growth. He was the shortest player in his team- among his age grades, but that didn’t discourage Messi.
Even in the midst of challenges, he strived to survive.
Messi’s talent in soccer was so irresistible that football clubs started showing interest in Him.
Argentina’s River plate FC showed interest in Messi’s talent and was willing to sign him in as their player but the deal was fruitless because they lacked the fund to sponsor Messi’s medical bill which costs $900 per month. Messi was rejected by this club because of his health condition. What can be more discouraging than this? Yet, Messi never gave up.
Messi’s optimism rewarded him at the age of 13, when the sporting director of FC Barcelona: Carlex Rexach, was made aware of messi’s talent in soccer. Carlex discovered that Messi was greatly talented and decided to invest in him. He offered Messi a contract written on a napkin paper and also, offered to sponsor Messi’s medical bills with the condition that Messi relocates to spain. What a great offer? “A man’s gift maketh way for him.” Messi and his father moved to spain where Messi was enrolled into the club’s youth Academy-known for training and producing excellent footballers.
Messi was determined to judiciously utilize the opportunity given to him. So, he trained vigorously well and proved himself worthy which made him have his first appearance for Barcelona at the age of 16. In may 2005, He broke record as the youngest player to ever score a goal.
In 2009, Messi led Barcelona to success.
Barca became the first spanish club to ever capture the “treble”- winning the copa del Ray, La liga and champions league tournament. After scoring 49 goals in the 2009 season, his manager said, “Messi is the best player he had ever seen.” Messi’s skills in soccer made a prominent footballer; Maradona say, “I can see myself in him.” I agree with the fact that Messi is a great, successful and highly talented footballer. Have you ever noticed the confidence in people whenever the ball rolls into Messi’s multi-million dollars legs? You hear things like “Messi will score a goal now” or “A goal is on the way” or “yes! I trust Messi.” That is to show the level of confidence Messi has made people develop in him. At the age of 25, Messi became the youngest player to score 200 la liga goals.
Messi is widely recognized as the best player in the world and rated as the greatest footballer of all times. He broke record by being the first soccer player to win four FIFA/ Ballon d’or world’s player of the year award consecutively. He was also the first to win three European Golden shoe awards. On 16th Feb, 2013, Messi scored his 300th Barcelona goal.
Till today, Messi remains the highest goal scorer ever known.
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