Top 13 interesting facts about Lionel Messi

The Argentine has won every possible trophy in his playing career.

One of the most recognizable people in the world let alone in football is Lionel Messi. Messi, who was born in Argentina in 1987, started playing football early on and soon gained recognition as a gifted player.

He has helped Barcelona win several titles, including four Champions League victories and ten LaLiga crowns, and has received multiple individual honours, including a record seven Ballon d’Or trophies.

Here are thirteen facts you should know about Messi.

13. Always thanks his grandma after scoring

Although it’s common to see Messi point with both hands toward the sky after scoring a goal, not many people understand what it means. In actuality, it is a dedication to his grandmother Celia, whom Messi attributes with igniting his passion for football and encouraging him during his early days of playing the sport. She tragically died in 1998 before witnessing him compete at the highest level.

Messi’s goal celebration is a tribute to his grandma, Celia 🙌Messi credits Celia with sparking his interest in football and supporting him as a kid.Sadly, she passed away in 1998 and never saw him play at the top level, but her spirit lives on in this iconic celebration ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GxGzfjLrxh

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 7, 2021

12. Might have completed football in 2010

Lionel Messi has played for Argentina all of his international career. But did you know he could have wore the Spanish team’s kit if he had taken a chance to play for their national team? He was qualified to play for the 2010 World Champions after growing up in Barcelona, but Messi claims he never considered it.

MESSI AND ARGENTINA ARE WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 🙌 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vFj0qH8M4a

— ESPN (@espn) December 18, 2022

11. Inspired by Argentine legend

Messi is seen as a role model by many younger players, but who did he look up to as a child? Pablo Aimar, a former Valencia and Real Zaragoza playmaker and fellow Argentinean, was his idol. They played against each other multiple times in LaLiga.

10. A debut to forget

On August 17, 2005, Lionel Messi earned his official debut for his country in a friendly match against Hungary in Budapest’s Puskas Stadium. In the second half, Messi entered the game as a substitute. In the 64th minute of the game, he took Lisandro Lopez’s position as forward.

Less than a minute after taking the field, the Barcelona sensation was sent off, turning what could have been a glorious debut into an absolute disaster.

9. Cousin of a former Barcelona player?

Unbelievably, Lionel Messi is linked to Bojan Krkic, a former teammate from Barcelona. Fourth cousins are the two ex-Barcelona players. Mariano Perez Miralles and Teresa Llobera Minguet, who wedded in Catalonia in 1846 and had two children, Ramon Perez and Goncal Perez, were their great-great-great grandparents.

Goncal’s son, Jaume Perez Civit, remained in Catalonia, while Ramon’s son, Jose Perez Sole, relocated to Argentina. Lionel Messi is the great-grandson of Jose Perez Sole, while Bojan is the great-grandson of Jaume Perez Civit.

8. Rejected Arsenal

When Messi was a young player at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made an attempt to sign him. The Catalan club were adamant about keeping him. Messi ultimately remained with Barcelona and rose to become one of the most accomplished and legendary football players in history.

7. Youngest Argentine to participate in World Cup

Messi became the youngest player from Argentina to play in the World Cup when he made his debut for the country in 2006. He did so at the age of 18 years, 11 months, and 23 days.

6. First hat-trick for Barcelona came against Real Madrid

On May 1, 2007, Messi scored his first hat trick for Barcelona in a LaLiga game at Camp Nou against Real Madrid. At the age of 19, Lionel Messi had already made a name for himself as the Catalan team’s budding star.

5. Most successful player in Barcelona’s history

Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in FC Barcelona’s history, having won 35 major championships with the team. Ten LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey, four Champions League titles, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and eight Supercopa de Espana are among his accomplishments.

🔙 #OnThisDay in 2005⚽ Messi scored his first official goal14 years later he needs 2 goals to reach No.6⃣0⃣0⃣ with Barça🤔 Will he succeed today? pic.twitter.com/LfSLztOJhA

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 1, 2019

4. Only Player to win two World Cup Golden Balls

Lionel Messi remained the very first and only player in existence to win the Golden Ball trophy twice when he did it at the 2022 World Cup. He had previously won it at the World Cup in 2014.

3. Top Argentine scorer in World Cup

Lionel Messi became Argentina’s all-time top World Cup scorer with 13 goals after surpassing Gabriel Batistuta (12). He achieved this recognition after scoring seven goals at the 2022 tournament.

2. The player with the most Ballon d’Or

With a record eight awards, Messi holds the record for most Ballon d’Or victories. After winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time in 2009, he went on to win it again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

LIONEL MESSI IS THE 2023 MEN’S BALLON D’OR!Eight Ballon d’Or for Argentina hero! 🖐🤟#ballondor pic.twitter.com/1slOJ6EoKj

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

1. LaLiga all-time top scorer

With 474 goals in the Spanish top division, Messi holds the record for most goals scored in LaLiga history. In 2014, Messi scored his 252nd LaLiga goal, surpassing the previous record holder, Telmo Zarra.

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