Internet Desk: Lionel Messi, one of the finest footballing phenomenons, the world have ever seen, is celebrating his 30th birthday today. Arguably one of the best footballers in the modern day game has achieved so many incredible records. On this auspicious occasion, www.xtratime.in will take a tour of some of the fascinating facts which even the biggest Messi fans may not now:
1.Growth Hormone Deficiency
At 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency which was stopping his normal growth rate. His parents could not afford his treatment, which was 900 USD per month.
2. The first contract
Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach was so impressed with Messi’s skills with the ball, that he offered to pay his medical bills and move his family to Spain and sign him when he was just 13. He first signed on a paper napkin as there were no sheets available at that moment.
3. A disappointing debut for the country
5. The 30th birthday is special
As Messi turns 30, it’s only apt we start with that very number, which can be traced back to his Barcelona debut on October 16, 2004.
6. Simply the chest
Messi’s left peg has tucked away 462 goals throughout his career – 82% of his total strikes. Meanwhile, 77 goals have come from his right foot, 24 with his head and interestingly 2 with his chest.
7. In love with Sevilla
Messi has scored more than 20 goals against six different Spanish opponents, but no side have let in more than Sevilla. At a rate of 0.97 goals per game, Messi has found the net 29 times against Sevilla – six more than he has achieved against Real.
8. The Che connection
Lionel Messi shares his place of birth ‘Rosario’. with revolutionary leader Che Guevera.
9. The first record
Seven and a half months after making his debut, Messi scored his first goal for Barcelona in a Liga match against Albacete at the Nou Camp – he became the youngest player to do so for the club in a league game (since beaten by Bojan Krkic).
10. The season he would want to forget
Messi’s only trophy-less season with Barcelona came in 2007/08. The club finished third in La Liga, while they were knocked out of the semis in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.