Lionel Messi
- Category : 1987-births
- Type : GP
- Profile : 5/1 - Heretical / Investigator
- Definition : Split - Small (16,20,45)
- Incarnation Cross : LAX Prevention 1
Biography
Argentine soccer player, an Olympic gold medal winner (2008) and holder of several titles, including Champions League and La Liga titles. Since 2005, he plays for FC Barcelona, Spain.
At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Local powerhouse River Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but were not willing to pay for treatment for his condition, which cost $900 a month. Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, had been made aware of his talent as Messi had relatives in Lleida, and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial with the team. Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered Messi a contract written on a paper napkin. Barcelona offered to pay for Messi's medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain. Messi and his father moved to Barcelona where Messi enrolled in the club's youth academy. From there, he advanced a status where he is widely regarded as best football player of the world.
His girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo gave birth to their son Thiago on 2 November 2012.