5 Things you probably did not know about Lionel Messi

France v Argentina: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Messi with Argentina

Lionel Messi is one of the, if not the greatest players to have ever played the game. Messi joined Barcelona in 2004 and has been loyal to them ever since. He has had a very successful time at Barcelona filled with both team and individual trophies.

Unfortunately, Messi has not been able to recreate his magic for Argentina. While he has performed well with them, they have not won any significant trophy which leaves a stain on his golden resume. All said and done though, most footballers regard him as the best to have ever played the game.

Messi has been the best dribbler of all time. The close control, change of direction, hesitation, acceleration, all moves are just sublime to watch. Defenders have not been able to keep up with the little magician, who has gone on to score some of the most beautiful individual goals in football.

When someone is as popular as Messi, most of his life is public knowledge. With multiple documentaries made, that address his life there is very little that people do not know about him. Despite that, in this article I try to share 5 things you probably did not know about Lionel Messi.


#1 Messi met his future wife when he was five years old

The Best FIFA Football Awards - Green Carpet Arrivals
Messi with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo

Messi met his future wife, Antonella Roccuzzo when he was 5 years old. She is the cousin of his best friend, Lucas Scaglia. They got married in 2017 and have three kids namely Thiago Messi, Ciro Messi and Mateo Messi.

Messi as a kid always had a crush on Antonella and he knew that he would eventually date her. While he did start dating her but no one knew about it until he was twenty-one.

It was on a programme in Argentina when Leo Messi was asked "Do you have a girlfriend?" to which he replied "Yes, I have a girlfriend. She is in Argentina. The truth is that I am well and I am relaxed."

#2 His first contract was written on a napkin

CDU/CSU And SPD Present New Coalition Contract
Messi first contract was on a napkin

The first ever contract that was offered to Messi by Barcelona was on a paper napkin. Barcelona technical secretary Carles Rexach was in awe of Messi who was only 13 years old then.

Carles did not want to wait at all and wanted to immediately give Messi a contract. He could not find a piece of paper and he did not want to wait so he decided to use a paper napkin instead to offer Leo his first ever contract. Leo went on the accept that contract and the rest is history.

Who would have thought that the simple paper napkin signed by Messi would go on to be the best deal that Barcelona ever made.

#3 Messi celebrates his goals with a tribute to grandmother

Deportivo Alaves vs Barcelona - Copa Del Rey Final
Messi celebrating his goal

The most common Messi celebration after scoring a goal is when he points both his fingers to the sky as he walks back to the center circle. The reason behind this celebration is Celia Olivera Cuccittini, Messi's grandmother.

Messi's grandmother, unfortunately, passed away in 1998. She always encouraged Leo to play and even took him to many of his matches. She had a massive role to play in developing Leo into one of the best players ever, to play the game.

She could not see Leo reach the heights that he has and hence Leo dedicates all his goals to her by pointing to the sky.

#4 A gold replica of his left foot was sold for $5,252,000

500-Million-Yen Golden Statue Of Leo Messi Left Foot Go On Sale
Gold Replica of Messi Foot

In 2013, a pure gold replica of Leo Messi's left foot of 25 kilograms (55 pounds) was unveiled by Japanese jeweler Ginza Tanaka. The earnings from selling this gold replica were used in the redevelopment of the country after the terrible earthquake and tsunami.

The golden foot also paid tribute to the world record season in which Messi scored 91 goals and won his fourth Ballon d'Or. Ginza Tanaka held a launch in Japan for this golden foot which was attended by Messi's brother Rodrigo.

For the people who could not spend so much money, one could buy a $94,500 golden foot plate instead with the imprint of Leo Messi's left foot.

#5 Messi's red card for Argentina

France v Argentina: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Messi with Argentina

Messi made his debut for Argentina at the age of eighteen. Unfortunately, his debut was short lived as this game remains the venue of his first and last red card for Argentina.

Messi came on as a substitute against Hungary to make his debut for Argentina. Hungarian full back, Vilmos Vanczak held Messi back by the shirt when he was going on one of his mazy runs. While trying to shake Vanczak off, Messi struck him on the face and the referee deemed it as a deliberate elbow. This was followed by a red card.

The debut of arguably the greatest footballer to ever play the game was one to forget.

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Edited by Abhinav Munshi