Messi

​Messi grew up playing football. He joined his first club when he was five. At the age of eight, he signed up for the famous Newell's Old Boys' youth team. His career nearly ended when doctors found out he suffered from a growth hormone deficiency. Luckily, agents from Barcelona saw his talent and in 2000, he moved to Spain. The Catalan club paid for his medical treatment and coached him until he made his Barcelona debut.

​Lionel started breaking records as soon as he played his first game for Barcelona in the 2004--‐05 season. He became the youngest footballer ever to play at La Liga game and the youngest to score a goal. He helped his team win the league in his first season, and the league and Champions League double in the following season. In the 2008--‐09 season, he scored an impressive 38 goals as Barcelona won the treble.

​Messi has an amazing career ahead of him. He is set to shine in South Africa. Many football experts compare him to the legendary Pele and Maradona. This World Cup could be the stage for him to show people he is the best. His skills on the ball, ability to get past defenders and his goal--‐scoring are breathtaking. Top soccer coach Arsene Wenger said Messi is “like a PlayStation. He takes advantage of every mistake team to make”.