Lionel Messi is an incredibly gifted soccer player who currently plays for Spanish giants FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team (two-time winners of the FIFA World Cup).
When he played his soccer for Newell's Old Boys of his native Rosario, Argentina, he attracted the interest of FC Barcelona, and because his Argentine club couldn't pay for his serious hormone deficiency problems he moved to Spain, where Barcelona were willing to pay for his expensive treatment.
Messi Begins at Barcelona
Messi started out at the club's youth categories, and his progress was so great that in no time he had attracted the attention of the Barcelona first team coach, and on the 16th of October 2004 he made his highly anticipated debut for the Catalan giants. Less than seven months later Messi scored his first official goal for Barcelona against Albacete.
Since his debut Messi has won several honours with Barcelona, including two La Liga titles, in the 2004-05 season and the 2005-06 season. He also won the UEFA Champions League with the club, when they came from behind to defeat Arsenal of England 2-1 in the final. Other titles he won with the club include the Spanish Supercup.
Messi Wins FIFA Under-20 World Cup
Messi's greatest international achievement so far has been winning the Under-20 World Cup in Holland with Argentina in 2005. He was the top scorer of the competition, scoring both of Argentina's goals in a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the final (both from the penalty spot). Messi was also named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. His outstanding performances during the tournament earned him comparisons with none other than Argentina's greatest son, the legendary Diego Armando Maradona.
In August 2005 Messi was called up to represent the Argentine senior team by then coach Jose Pekerman. Messi was sent off 40 seconds into his official debut against Hungary after elbowing an opponent, who was tugging on his shirt as he went for one of his trademark runs.
Messi at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
But although the start of his career with Los Albicelestes couldn't have been worse, since then Messi has become an integral part of the team. He was selected in Jose Pekerman's Argentine squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, although having experienced limited playing time. Argentina were knocked out by hosts Germany in the quarterfinals of the competition on penalty kicks.
Messi at the 2007 Copa America
In 2007 Messi took part in the Copa America in Venezuela with Argentina. Argentina, who were coached by Alfio Basile (still the coach of the national team) during the tournament went looking for what would have been a record 15th title, and started off very brightly winning all of their games, as they headed into the much anticipated final against arch-rivals Brazil. However, Messi couldn't help his side avoid a heavy 3-0 defeat.
Lionel Messi Information
Name: Lionel Andres Messi
Date of Birth: June 24, 1987
Place of Birth: Rosario, Argentina
Height: 1.69 metres
Position: Striker, or on the Wing
Current Club: FC Barcelona (Spain)
National Team: Argentina (debut 2005)
