By Tomas Gonzalez, Colombia
Messi was Born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. He is a professional footballer who plays in the Spanish club Barcelona as a forward and captain, represents his country also as captain. His past is like anyone. He is the third son of Jorge Horacio Messi and Cecilia María Cuccittini. He has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and a younger sister, María Sol. Messi studied at primary school No ,66 “Gral. Las Heras”.
In 1994, he began to train in the lower divisions of Newell’s Old Boys, Argentina team in his region. But the first difficulty in his life had appeared at the age of 11, was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. This was a big problem for the family Messi Cuccitini because they had the obligation of get all the medicine that Messi needed.
In 2000, a light appeared on his way. The first team director from Barcelona Charly Rexach was interested in Messi and wanted to sign him. It was a difficult process because the boards of directors were in disagreement, but Charly was sure of the boy’s talent so he offered him a contract on a napkin. So it was, in February 2001 the family relocated to Barcelona and stayed in an apartment near the Camp Nou. The first year in the team wasn’t good, he didn’t have minutes in the matches and in addition to this, his mom moved back to Rosario with his brothers and little sister, while he stayed in Barcelona with his father.
Messi debuted with the first team on November 16, 2003, against Porto, it was a friendly match and his first official match with the first team was on October 16, 2004 against Espanyol. At 17 he became one of the youngest to debut in the first division the coach who gave him the opportunity was Frank Rijkaard.
His career like professional started there and he has managed to obtains 6 Ballon’s D’Or and 6 Gold Boots, which are two of the most importants individual awards that a footballer can obtain. Currently he continues playing for Barcelona and standing out as always.
efsantabarbaranews.com 