Published 11th Sep 2023
The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has been one of the main subplots of the modern footballing era. Speaking to NewBettingSites, the question of who really is the greatest of them all continues to occupy the minds of fans and football bettors.
By now, we all know about the unsurpassed exploits of the two legends of the game on the field, but where were these titans born? And what was their route to the soccer summit? Here, we look at the pathway to the pinnacle of Magical Messi.
Humble Beginnings
Lionel Messi, often referred to as "Leo" or "The Flea," is a name that resonates with football fans around the world. His journey from a humble upbringing in Rosario, Argentina, to becoming one of the greatest footballers in history is nothing short of remarkable. Messi's background is a story of talent, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Born on June 24, 1987, in the city of Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, Messi came from modest beginnings. He was the third of four children in the Messi family, and his early life was shaped by the love of football and the challenges of a working-class neighbourhood. Messi's father, Jorge, worked as a steel factory worker, while his mother, Celia, worked part-time as a cleaner. Despite the financial constraints, Messi's parents supported his passion for football from a young age.
First Steps
Messi's journey in football began when he was just a toddler. He displayed an uncanny ability to control the ball and dribble past opponents even before he could properly walk. His grandmother, Celia, played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent, often taking him to local parks and pitches to play football. It was during these formative years that Messi's extraordinary talent started to shine.
At the age of eight, Messi joined the youth team of his local club, Newell's Old Boys. His performances at the youth level quickly drew attention, and he became known as "La Pulga" or "The Flea" due to his small stature and lightning-fast movements on the field. However, Messi faced a significant obstacle early in his career when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at the age of 11. This condition required expensive medical treatment that his family couldn't afford.
Barca Beginnings
In search of opportunities to pursue his football dreams, Messi and his family made a life-altering decision to move to Spain. At the age of 13, Messi signed with FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia. The club agreed to cover his medical expenses, and this move marked the beginning of a journey that would change the course of football history.
Messi's early years at Barcelona were marked by his rapid development as a player. He consistently outperformed his peers and quickly rose through the ranks of the youth system. In 2004, at the age of 17, he made his first-team debut for Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in a competitive match. His style of play was unlike anything seen before, characterized by his dribbling, close ball control, and ability to score from almost any position on the field.
A Star is Born
Over the next decade, Messi's rise to superstardom was meteoric. He formed a formidable partnership with players like Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o and helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international titles. His individual accolades began to pile up as well, including multiple Ballon d'Or awards, which are given to the best player in the world. Messi's combination of natural talent and a relentless work ethic set him apart from his peers.
One of the defining moments of Messi's career came in 2009 when he scored a stunning header in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United, helping Barcelona secure the treble - winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League in a single season. This achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Moving on to PSG in 2021, Messi won the Ligue 1 title in each of his two seasons in Paris, before taking his talents to the USA when signing for Inter Miami.
International Success... At Last
While Messi's success at club level was undeniable, he faced criticism and scepticism about his abilities on the international stage. Playing for the Argentina national team brought both immense pressure and heartbreak. Messi's desire to win a major international tournament with his country was a goal that eluded him for many years.
However, in 2021, Messi finally achieved his dream. He led Argentina to victory in the Copa America, scoring four goals and providing five assists in the tournament. It was a momentous triumph for Messi and a testament to his unwavering determination and commitment to his national team.
Dream realised, destiny awaited at the 2022 World Cup. Things didn't begin well with a defeat to Saudi Arabia, but inspired by Messi's brilliance, Argentina recovered to win it all in one of the most thrilling finals of all time vs. France in Qatar.
Away From the Game
Off the field, Messi is known for his philanthropic efforts. In 2007, he established the Leo Messi Foundation, dedicated to providing healthcare, education, and sports opportunities to underprivileged children. His foundation has made significant contributions to various charitable causes, including building hospitals, schools, and sports facilities.
Messi's personal life has been relatively private. He married his childhood sweetheart, Antonela Roccuzzo, in a lavish ceremony in 2017, and the couple has three children together. Despite the fame and fortune that comes with being one of the world's most recognizable athletes, Messi has remained grounded and focused on his family and his passion for football.