Luis Lionel Messi Birthday special: Born as Luis Lionel Andres Messi on June 24, 1987 in Argentina’s Rosari, Messi is also known as ‘The Flea’ for his agility and speed who have made a mark on globe by being one of the richest football players.
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in the world, comes from a humble background. Carles Rexach, Barcelona’s first team director went too impressed with his skills and signed him immediately. Since there was no paper available at that moment, the contract was written on a tissue paper.
At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. As his parents were unable to afford his treatment costing $900 per month, he could undergo the treatment only after he signed a contract with FC Barcelona and moved to Spain. The football club paid for his treatment.
Messi is now happily married to Antonella Roccuzzo since 2017 and is blessed with three sons – Thiago Messi, Ciro Messi and Mateo Messi. Besides being a great player, he is also a great human at heart. The footballer has made generous contributions to several noble causes.
He is one of the richest football players in the world. His net worth is around $126 million.