England Face Lionel Messi for the First Time
England’s footballers are preparing to face Lionel Messi for the very first time as they take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final tonight. The 39-year-old forward and captain, widely regarded as the best player in history, leads his team against the Three Lions. Here are 15 fascinating facts about the Argentine superstar.
Early Life and Family
Born Lionel Andrés Messi on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, he was named after US crooner Lionel Richie, a favourite of his mother, Celia, who worked in a factory. His father, Jorge, was a steel worker who later became his agent. As a boy, ‘Leo’, who has three siblings, used to sleep with a football.
Youth Career and Health Struggles
Aged four, he started playing for a team coached by his dad, before scoring 500 goals for the youth side of Newell’s Old Boys. At ten, he was diagnosed with a hormone growth deficiency and required regular injections. Now standing at 5ft7in, the star was nicknamed ‘The Flea’.
Record-Breaking Club Career
His skills saw him snapped up by Spanish club Barcelona at 13, with his initial contract signed on a paper napkin. That napkin sold for £760,000 at auction in 2024. Debuting at 17, he scored a record 474 goals in La Liga. He has also played for Paris St Germain and now captains Inter Miami. Messi has won 46 team trophies and eight Ballons D’Or.
International Achievements
He was sent off in less than a minute on his Argentina debut against Hungary in 2005, but has since scored a record 125 goals for his country. This is his sixth World Cup. With 512 million followers, a photo of him celebrating the 2022 World Cup win with Argentina is Instagram’s most-liked post.
Personal Life and Wealth
A billionaire with a basic £18 million salary, he has deals with brands like Budweiser and owns a hotel chain. He has a £23 million property empire, including a mansion in his hometown dubbed The Fortress. His car collection includes a £28 million Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti. Messi is married to childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo, and they have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Tattoos and Superstitions
With 18 tattoos, his body art includes an eye tribute to his wife on his left arm and lips on his hip. He also has a portrait of his mum on his back. When he scores, he points to the sky in memory of his late grandmother, also called Celia.
Hobbies and Diet
He has a huge 110lbs pet dog called Hulk, a Dogue de Bordeaux. His hobbies include playing video and card games. Messi used to vomit during matches until he ditched chocolate and fizzy drinks for a healthier diet. He enjoys a breaded chicken cutlet for dinner and drinks bitter yerba mate tea.
