From an unknown boy in Rosario to becoming one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. On June 21, 2023, Messi achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career by surpassing Raúl as the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Champions League.

This incredible feat came just days after he broke Telmo Zarra’s 60-year-old record for the most goals scored in La Liga.

Currently, Messi is in pursuit of another record held by his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. Having surpassed Raúl’s tally of 71 goals, Messi is now chasing Ronaldo’s record in the Champions League. The Argentine superstar’s rise to stardom is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to the sport.

Born on June 24, 1987, in the city of Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s journey to superstardom was not without its challenges.

Raised in a working-class family, with his father being a steelworker and his mother a janitor, Messi’s humble beginnings shaped his character and instilled in him a deep passion for the game of football.

From a very early age, football became an integral part of Messi’s life. He developed an inseparable bond with the ball, often seen playing with it wherever he went.

Even when he didn’t have access to a proper football, Messi would use anything he could find, be it a plastic mattress or socks, to hone his skills. His brother, Matias, recalls how Messi would always bring a ball with him, even when asked to help with household chores.

Messi’s talent did not go unnoticed. At the age of six, he joined a local club called Grandoli, where he caught the attention of Salvador Aparicio, the youth team coach at the time. Impressed by Messi’s skills, Aparicio requested to borrow him from his own brother’s team.

Despite initial hesitation from Messi’s mother, his grandmother encouraged them to let the young prodigy play. And so, at the tender age of nine, Messi joined Newell’s Old Boys, a club that would play a significant role in his development.

During his time with Newell’s, Messi became a prominent figure in the “Maquina de la ’87” generation, a group of players all born in 1987 who achieved great success. However, it was during this period that Messi’s growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was diagnosed.

In a bid to provide him with the necessary treatment, Newell’s attempted to cover the costs, but due to financial constraints and the team’s own crisis, they were unable to support him adequately.

Faced with this setback, Messi’s father sought alternatives and eventually arranged a trial for his son with River Plate, one of the most renowned clubs in Argentina.

It was during this trial that Messi’s talent shone brightly, even playing with players three years older than him. However, the transfer did not materialize as River Plate failed to offer the necessary support and accommodation for the family.

Messi’s journey from an unknown boy in Rosario to becoming one of the greatest players of all time serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide. His success is a result of his unwavering dedication, hard work, and innate talent.