Discover 19 rare and unseen childhood photos of football legend Lionel Messi. Explore Messi’s early years through these exclusive images, offering a unique glimpse into the life of one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest football (soccer) players of all time, was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. He grew up in a modest household with his parents, Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, and his three siblings: two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a sister, María Sol.
From a young age, Messi showed exceptional talent and passion for football. He began playing organized football at the age of five for a local club called Grandoli, coached by his father. His skills were evident even at this young age, with his remarkable dribbling ability and keen understanding of the game.
At the age of eight, Messi joined Newell’s Old Boys, a prominent youth academy in Rosario, where he continued to hone his skills. However, his childhood was not without challenges. At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, which threatened his future in football. His family could not afford the expensive medical treatments, but Messi’s talent caught the attention of FC Barcelona’s scouts during a youth tournament in Spain.
In 2000, when Messi was 13 years old, FC Barcelona offered to pay for his medical treatment and bring him to Spain to join their prestigious youth academy, La Masia. This marked the beginning of Messi’s journey to becoming a football legend.
Lionel Messi Childhood Facts
- Early Nickname: Lionel Messi’s nickname as a child was “La Pulga,” which translates to “the flea” in Spanish. This was due to his short stature and agility on the field.
- Growth Hormone Deficiency: Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) at a young age. Despite the challenges, his local club Newell’s Old Boys and later FC Barcelona covered the expensive treatment.
- Prodigy with a Ball: Even at a young age, Messi’s talent was evident. He started playing at age 5 and quickly impressed everyone with his ball skills and dribbling ability.
- Neighborhood Games: Messi honed his skills playing in neighborhood games known as “picadinhos.” These small-sided matches are known for their fast pace and focus on improvisation.
- Rosario Roots: Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s early life was heavily influenced by his passion for football. He would play whenever he could, showcasing his talent on local pitches.
- Family Support: Messi’s family played a crucial role in his development. His grandmother instilled his love for the sport, and his parents provided constant support throughout his early career.
- Trial at Barcelona: At the age of 13, Messi was offered a trial at FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. Despite initial concerns about his size, he quickly convinced them of his talent.
- Early Struggles in Spain: Leaving his family behind in Argentina was a difficult adjustment for young Messi. He battled homesickness while adapting to a new life and training regime in Spain.
- Precocious Debut: Despite his young age, Messi made his official debut for FC Barcelona at just 17 years old, showcasing his potential on the biggest stage.
- Early La Liga Goals: Messi didn’t waste any time making his mark. He scored his first La Liga goal at the young age of 18, announcing himself as a future star of the sport.