8 Lionel Messi facts you probably didn’t know

• Despite always being on the spotlight, there are several Lionel Messi facts you probably didn’t know
• Messi was part of Argentina’s squad that won an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing
• Messi is related to his former FC Barcelona teammate Bojan Krkic

Despite always being on the spotlight, there are several Lionel Messi facts you probably didn’t know. Born in Argentina, Lionel Messi began playing football at a young age and has since become one of the greatest players of all time. The 36-year-old spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona and then had a spell at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before joining Inter Miami last summer.

In his legendary career, Messi has won it all, from league titles and Champions League to World Cup and Ballon d’Ors. Since every football fan is familiar with the GOAT’s career, SportsLeo takes a look at 8 Lionel Messi facts you probably haven’t heard about yet.

Lionel Messi. Photo/ Major League Soccer.

1. Lionel Messi’s First Contract Was Signed On A Paper Napkin

When FC Barcelona’s Sporting director Carles Rexach first saw Messi playing, he was so impressed that he wanted to sign him immediately. But there was no paper available nearby at that very moment, so the contract was signed on a paper napkin.

2. Diagnosed With Growth Disorder As A Child

Messi was not very healthy and nutritious during his childhood days. When he was eleven years old, he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), a condition caused by insufficient amounts of growth hormone in the body, leading to impaired growth and development. Messi’s parents couldn’t afford to pay the $900 needed for treatment but Barcelona came to the rescue after signing him.

Lionel Messi had growth disorder during his childhood days. Photo/ LatestLY.

3. Shown A Straight Red Card On His Argentina Debut

Messi received a red card on his international debut in August 2005 as Argentina played Hungary in a friendly match. Manager Jose Pekerman introduced Messi in the 64th minute and barely two minutes later, the youngster was sent off for throwing an arm in the face of a Hungary player who pulled him back to prevent a counter-attack.

While Messi’s international debut didn’t go the way he wanted, his career with the Argentina turned out to be a success as he won the World Cup and Copa America titles.

4. Messi Is An Olympic Gold Medalist

Lionel Messi was part of Argentina’s squad that won an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing. They beat Nigeria in the final 1-0, with Messi creating the goal that was scored by Angel Di Maria. Some of Messi’s teammates from the tournament who have also had successful careers include Sergio Aguero, Javier Mascherano, Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

5. Messi Is Nicknamed La Pulga Atomica

While many refer to Messi as The GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), he also has the nickname La Pulga Atomica, which is Spanish for The Atomic Flea. He was given the nickname because just like a flea, Messi is small and fast. The former Barcelona man can squeeze into tight areas and even score from the tightest angles. He has done that before, not once or twice, but many times.

6. Messi’s Point-to-the-sky Goal Celebration Has A Meaning

Lionel Messi pointing to the sky after scoring is a regular occurrence. Photo/ Pinterest.

In most cases after celebrating a goal with his teammates, Messi usually points to the sky on his way back to restart the game. While many people think it is some kind of prayer, Messi pointing towards the sky with both hands is actually a tribute to his late grandmother who he credits for supporting him as he began his football journey at a young age.

7. Lionel Messi Has Italian Roots

Lionel Messi’s great grandfather, Angelo Messi, moved from the Italian town of Ancona to Argentina’s Rosario along with his wife Maria in 1893. At that time, Argentina had launched a policy of attracting foreigners because of experiencing huge shortage of labour.

8. He Is Related To Bojan

Lionel Messi and Bojan are fourth cousins. Photo/ FC Barcelona Noticias.

One of the Lionel Messi facts you probably didn’t know is that he is related to his former FC Barcelona teammate Bojan Krkic. According to sources, an investigation by Diari Segre revealed that Messi’s great grandfather Ramon Perez Llobera (born 1859) was the brother of Bojan’s great grandfather Goncal (born 1868). The families of both players share the surname Perez.