Born: June 24, 1987 at Rosario, Argentina
Residence: Barcelona, Spain
Ht: / Wt: 5’6" / 147 lbs
Event(s): Men’s soccer
Position: Forward
Lionel Messi, the shadow of Maradona confirmed his way to the Beijing Olympic 2008. The Argentinean champion will play in Beijing this August, despite the disagreement of the Barcelona. He says to the media, “"I am going to the Olympic Games whatever may happen. The truth is though that I do not know how we can resolve things, but there is no doubt that I will be there”
The story behind the career of Messi indicates his towering determination over the soccer which was not built up overnight. He was born in the Santa Fe province of Argentina in a family where soccer was king, Lionel Messi started kicking the ball at an early age and when he was just 5 years old, he joined the training sessions of the club his father was coaching at that time, Grandoli.
At the age of eight, Messi signed with “Newell’s Old boys” club in his home town of Rosario. After three years, he was facing some severe physical problems and his soccer career was under a great threat. But Messi was never stop from his determination and love for soccer. He continues his soccer though he was always under threat of physical obstacles. Buenos Aires-based Primera Division club River Plate, which had scouted Messi for years, withdrew interest due to his medical condition. Spanish super club Barcelona saw the 13 year old Messi’s great potential and offered him. After then he never looked back. He showed his high potentials in world cup 2006, Copa America cup, Spanish leagues and where not?
His speed, techniques, styles, intelligence and concentration made him one of the most talented footballers of modern footballs. Argentina dreams with him, Barcelona dreams with him and soccer world dreams with him.
Photo: web