10 Things You Didn't Know About Lionel Messi

By Timothy Downs

Find out more about five-time Ballon d’Or winning soccer player Lionel Messi with these 10 interesting facts.

10 Things You Didn\'t Know About Lionel Messi
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10. Messi Was Diagnosed With A Growth Hormone Deficiency As A Child

Messi Was Diagnosed With A Growth Hormone Deficiency As A Child Credit: Twitter
As a 10-year-old child in Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. As a 13-year-old, Messi relocated to Spain to join Barcelona, and began a treatment plan paid for by the franchise.

10. Messi Was Diagnosed With A Growth Hormone Deficiency As A Child

As a 10-year-old child in Argentina, Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. As a 13-year-old, Messi relocated to Spain to join Barcelona, and began a treatment plan paid for by the franchise.

9. First Contract With Barcelona Was Written On A Napkin

First Contract With Barcelona Was Written On A Napkin Credit: Getty Images
Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach was so impressed with Messi's talents back in 2001, he wanted to sign him immediately after they met, but he had nothing conventional to write on. An agreement was reached, however, and both parties signed a napkin.

9. First Contract With Barcelona Was Written On A Napkin

Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach was so impressed with Messi's talents back in 2001, he wanted to sign him immediately after they met, but he had nothing conventional to write on. An agreement was reached, however, and both parties signed a napkin.

8. Has Record For Youngest Argentine To Play And Score A Goal In World Cup

Has Record For Youngest Argentine To Play And Score A Goal In World Cup Credit: Twitter
In June of 2006, Lionel Messi set the record for youngest Argentine to play and score a goal in the World Cup at 18 years old. Messi turned 19 during the tournament.

8. Has Record For Youngest Argentine To Play And Score A Goal In World Cup

In June of 2006, Lionel Messi set the record for youngest Argentine to play and score a goal in the World Cup at 18 years old. Messi turned 19 during the tournament.

7. Spanish Media Nicknamed Him 'Messiah'

Spanish Media Nicknamed Him 'Messiah' Credit: Twitter
As Ronaldinho began to lose some luster, Messi became Barcelona's most popular player in the mid-2000s. The Spanish media nicknamed him 'Messiah' as he was their new darling.

7. Spanish Media Nicknamed Him 'Messiah'

As Ronaldinho began to lose some luster, Messi became Barcelona's most popular player in the mid-2000s. The Spanish media nicknamed him 'Messiah' as he was their new darling.

6. Comes From Mainly Italian Ancestry

Comes From Mainly Italian Ancestry Credit: Getty Images
Argentina was a hot spot for European immigration after World War II. Thus, it isn't surprising that Messi comes mainly from Italian ancestry.

6. Comes From Mainly Italian Ancestry

Argentina was a hot spot for European immigration after World War II. Thus, it isn't surprising that Messi comes mainly from Italian ancestry.

5. Born In Same City As Che Guevara

Born In Same City As Che Guevara Credit: Twitter
Messi was born in the same city (Rosario) as Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.

5. Born In Same City As Che Guevara

Messi was born in the same city (Rosario) as Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.

4. Was Charged With Three Counts Of Tax Fraud In Spain

Was Charged With Three Counts Of Tax Fraud In Spain Credit: Twitter
Messi's father, Jorge, came under investigation for evading millions of euros relating to Lionel's imaging rights back in 2007 and 2008. Jorge and Lionel are finally expected to stand trial in 2016. Both men face 22 months in prison, but many feel Lionel will ultimately have his charges dropped.

4. Was Charged With Three Counts Of Tax Fraud In Spain

Messi's father, Jorge, came under investigation for evading millions of euros relating to Lionel's imaging rights back in 2007 and 2008. Jorge and Lionel are finally expected to stand trial in 2016. Both men face 22 months in prison, but many feel Lionel will ultimately have his charges dropped.

3. First Player With Three European Golden Shoe Awards

First Player With Three European Golden Shoe Awards Credit: Twitter
Messi was the first player to ever win the European Golden Shoe award three times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13).

3. First Player With Three European Golden Shoe Awards

Messi was the first player to ever win the European Golden Shoe award three times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13).

2. Only Player To Score Five Goals In A Champions League Game

Only Player To Score Five Goals In A Champions League Game Credit: Getty Images
Messi scores goals. Lots of goals. It's what he does.

2. Only Player To Score Five Goals In A Champions League Game

Messi scores goals. Lots of goals. It's what he does.

1. Worth $210 Million

Worth $210 Million Credit: Getty Images
According to CelebrityNetWorth, Messi is worth a reported $210 million, and has an annual base salary of $44.68 million from his contract with Barcelona and many lucrative endorsement deals.

1. Worth $210 Million

According to CelebrityNetWorth, Messi is worth a reported $210 million, and has an annual base salary of $44.68 million from his contract with Barcelona and many lucrative endorsement deals.

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