Lionel Messi – The Messiah
Argentinian fans might have never thought to have another Messiah after the legend Maradona. Widely referred as GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), the legendary player Lionel Andres Messi”s phenomenal skills garnered the attention of prestigious clubs on both sides of the Atlantic. What more, he is regarded as the successor of Diego Maradona. And as a tribute, Messi dedicated his eighth Ballon d’Or to the legend who would have turned 63 on the same day.
“Happy Birthday, Diego. This is for you too”, he said after receiving the prestigious award from David Bechkam.
Leo was born in Rosario, Argentina on 24th June 1987. His father was a factory steel worker and his mother a cleaner. At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and this condition stunted his growth. But Messi in his very young age flashed his prodigious talent in football. For the treatment, Messi along with his family relocated to Barcelona, where he began his career in football by playing for FC Barcelona’s U-14 team and the rest was history.
Messi’s relationship with Barcelona was so long and remarkably fruitful. He with the Spanish giants managed to lift 10 La Liga titles, four Champions league crowns and seven Copa del Rey trophies. Before the leaving the team to join the French club Paris Saint German in 2021, he has amassed eye-watering 474 shots to his name. On 15 July 2023, Messi signed for a two-and-a-half year contract with Inter Miami.
Being bought up in Spain and having dual citizenship, he chose to play for the country of his birth, Argentina. Messi who is known for his fair and clean play was sent off in his first game against Hungary for elbowing a player.
In 2006, for the very first time, Messi made his debut in the World Cup. He made his entry into the World cup in his number 10 jersey in 2010. Ever since then, the number 10 belonged to his name.
Messi is widely known for his peerless ability to dribble and take on opponents. His legs do magic once it touches the field. Maradona regarded as The Golden Boy himself has said, “The ball stays glued to his foot; I’ve seen great players in my career, but I’ve never seen anyone with Messi’s ball control”.
Despite having all the skills and dazzling performances, he had to wait for so long to win the World Cup for his country. Maradona lit up the football world in 1986 by winning the FIFA World Cup. Messi in 2022 guided Argentina to the finals in FIFA World Cup. Adding on to the treat, he won the World Cup’s Golden Ball, becoming the first male player to receive the award twice.
Messi known for his humbleness both on and off field will always remain etched to the hearts of football fans all around the World. By winning the eighth Ballon d’Or award, the long-lasted debate of who is the real GOAT between Ronaldo and Messi might have come to an end.
