Lionel Messi

Belmont, Belcourt Biographies

Description

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players of his generation. In fact, although still so young, he has been dubbed by many fellow professionals as "The Best Player to Ever Grace the Sport." Most fans are aware of his successes on the field, but in order to truly understand Lionel Messi, you must first understand where he came from. "Lionel Messi: An Unauthorized Biography" explores Messi's upbringing and details his breakthrough onto the world stage, all the way through his 2012 loss to Real Madrid. Messi's exceptional talents have fans and critics alike wondering where his career will take him next. Inside, you will discover where it all started and learn why so many fans love Messi so much. From family to soccer to the future, all you need to know about Lionel Messi is right here, right now, in the most up to date coverage of Lionel Messi's life.This book also includes all of Lionel Messi's statistics.

Sujets

• Bibliographies
• Bibliography

Informations

• Publié par: Belmont & Belcourt Books
• Date de parution: 04 juin 2012
• Nombre de lectures: 2
• EAN13: 9781619841222
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

L IONEL M ESSI
An Unauthorized Biography
Copyright © 2012 by Belmont & Belcourt Biographies
All rights reserved. Neither this book nor any parts within it may be sold or reproduced in any form without permission.
eISBN: 9781619841222
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Youth Career
Barcelona: 2000-2003
Barcelona 2004 – Present
National Team
Greatest Ever
Personal Life
Statistics
Introduction
Lionel Andres Messi is a professional footballer who currently plays in the Spanish La Liga for Barcelona. When he was a little boy from the streets of Rosario, no one could have imagined what a sensational career he would have in football. He grew up to became one of the world’s greatest players.
The Barcelona forward has been dubbed by many fellow football professionals as "The Best Player to Ever Grace the Sport." Let’s not forget that, over the years, we have been privileged to watch many legendary careers blossom, including the Brazilian forward Pele, and the Argentine playmaker Diego Maradona.
It is hard to believe that he has established so much in his career despite being the tender young age of 24. He already has 68 international caps to his name, and is sure to surpass the record set by Javier Zanetti in most appearances for Argentina. He has also been given the honor of representing his country as captain of the national team, elevating the expectancy of spectators at every game. He always manages to deliver above and beyond that expectancy.
This Argentine genius is just 5’7" tall and his path to the top of the football world has been less than merciful. He has faced numerous obstacles ever since he began playing football in a competitive environment, at just 5 years old. Somehow, he has quickly risen above all of the challenges.
"I made a lot of sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. But everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream. That's why I didn't go out partying, or do a lot of other things." - Lionel Messi
Barcelona’s #10 forward has expressed his desire to complete his career in Barcelona after moving away from his native country, Argentina. He made the switch from Newell’s Old Boys in 2000 at the age of 13 and every day since then, he has appreciated the trust and commitment that Barcelona has shown to make him a star in the Catalans. Even considering Messi’s growth hormone deficiency, Barcelona still persisted in recruiting him and moving him through the ranks of their youth system. They agreed to pay for all the fees regarding his medical conditions if he moved to Spain. The rest is history.
"This is what I always say: Barcelona is my home, and I hope that I stay here for many years." -Lionel Messi
Youth Career
"Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits and get on with trying to win." - Lionel Messi
Lionel was born in Rosario, Sante Fe Province in Argentina on the June 24, 1987. His father and mother were very influential in his progression from childhood, despite the fact that they led very ordinary lives. Lionel’s father, Jorge Horacio Messi, was a steel factory worker. His mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, was a part-time cleaner.
Lionel arrived into the world just as football was emerging as a sport in South America. Just a year before Messi’s birth in 1987, Diego Maradona had practically won the World Cup for Argentina on his own. Who knew that when Diego Maradona helped his country win football’s most prestigious competition, the next year, a star would be born? That star would rival Diego Maradona as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Jorge Horacio encouraged his son Lionel to join his local team, Grandoli, at 5 years old. Messi’s father was involved with the running of the Grandoli youth side, and helped coach Lionel and other youngsters.