Happy Birthday Lionel Messi: Five Unknown Facts About Football Legend

Argentina football legend Lionel Messi turned 35 on Friday. Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario. His official name is Luis Lionel Andres Messi. His life was a difficult one before establishing himself in the football world. The legend comes from a humble background that couldn't afford his treatment for growth hormone deficiency at the age of 11. His family could only afford the treatment if he could move to Spain and play for Barcelona.

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The treatment cost 900 USD per month. Apparently, the club payed for the treatment. Talking about his personal life, he is married to Antonella Roccuzzo since 2017. Recently, they were seen holidaying in Ibiza. The duo has three sons - Thiago Messi, Ciro Messi, and Mateo Messi. He is not just known for his heroics on the field but off the field as well. In this listicle, we will discuss five unknown facts about the seven-time Ballon D'or winner.

Five Unknown Facts about Lionel Messi

1. Tissue Paper Contract

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Messi is currently the richest football player in the sport. However, there was a time when he was new to the professional football. Apparently, when the first time he was signed by Barcelona, the then team director wanted to sign him desperately. However, he needed a piece of paper to draw a contract which wasn't available at the time. The then prodigy was then signed with the help of a tissue on which the contract was drawn.

2. Dual Citizenship 

Not many people know this but the legend holds the citizenship of his country of birth and Spain. He took the Spanish citizenship in 2005. Interestingly, Argentina has played FIFA World Cups in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 but his dual citizenship hasn't been a hindrance in his ambition of representing his nation of birth. He even took the team to final in 2014 before losing to Germany.

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3. Inherited the Number 10 Jersey 

It is a well known fact that Messi wears the number 10 jersey. However, not many people know that he inherited the same from former Brazil player Ronaldinho.

4. Rejected to the offer to join Spain national team

As we discussed earlier, he holds the citizenship of Argentina and Spain. Apparently, there was a time when he was offered to join the Spain national team by The Royal Spanish Football Federation. However, he rejected the offer.

5. Youngest player to score for Barcelona

When he made his debut in 2003, he was 17 at the time. In the debut game against RCD Espanyol, he scored his first goal and became the youngest to score for the club.