The 2022 World Cup has concluded, and with the events that unfolded in Qatar, Lionel Messi has solidified his position as the greatest football player of all time. The life of this football legend is filled with intriguing stories that captivate the interest of many.

Lionel Messi is not the only football player in the family

Lionel Messi is a truly powerful player, with football skills seemingly ingrained in him from birth. However, few know that Lionel Messi is not the only football player in the family. He has half-siblings, Emanuel and Maxi Biancucci, who play for clubs in South Africa.

Lionel Messi overcame physical challenges in his early years

Notably, in his childhood, Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a condition related to growth hormone deficiency, leading to his relatively modest height and weight compared to peers. The treatment was financially burdensome, costing around 900 Euros per month.

Lionel Messi’s full name is Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini, born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. (Photo: Reuters)

Lionel Messi’s parents struggled to afford the substantial expenses. Due to his small stature, Messi earned the nickname “flea.” To this day, Lionel Messi’s height remains at 170 cm.

Lionel Messi’s father believed in his son’s bright future

Lionel Messi embarked on his football career at a young age, playing for the city’s team. At that time, his father served as his representative. The young Messi was later recruited into Barcelona’s youth team, and from the age of 13, he lived with his father in Barcelona.

As the young Lionel Messi played with the youth team, his father patiently waited, showing anger when potential contracts did not materialize and declaring that Messi would play elsewhere.

An interesting fact is that the club’s director, Charly Rexach, was surprised by Messi’s playing style and skills, immediately wanting to sign a contract. However, complications arose due to significant events.

Currently, Lionel Messi plays as a forward for the Argentina national football team and for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. (Photo: Reuters)

Joan Gaspart became President in the summer of 2000. Luis Figo moved to Real Madrid, and Barcelona was in crisis. No one dared to sign a professional contract with a 13-year-old boy, especially one from distant Argentina. However, both sides found a way to “bypass the rules.”

On December 14, 2000, on a hastily written “contract” on a napkin, Charly Rexach wrote, “I, Charly Rexach, in my capacity as technical director of FC Barcelona, despite some objections, commit to signing a contract with Lionel Messi as long as the negotiating conditions are agreed upon.”

Lionel Messi raises his hand on the field to honor memories of his grandmother

Despite being a true football legend, Lionel Messi is remarkably humble. When scoring, he often acts with restraint, typically raising both hands. However, this gesture holds deeper meaning.

In his youth, Lionel Messi was close to his grandmother, who passed away when he was just 10 years old. Messi still believes that his grandmother is watching him from above. Thus, raising his hand is Messi’s way of honoring his grandmother.

Lionel Messi never deceives his wife

Lionel Messi has a habit of spending all his free time with his family. In 2008, he met Antonella Roccuzzo, an ordinary girl from his hometown studying dentistry at the University of Argentina with dreams of becoming a dentist.

After following the call of love and moving in with Messi in Barcelona, the beauty became a model and influential figure on social media. Four years later, she gave birth to Messi’s first son, Thiago.

Lionel Messi is currently living happily with his wife, “childhood sweetheart” Antonella Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Mateo Messi Roccuzzo, Thiago Messi, and Ciro Messi Roccuzzo. (Photo: Instagram)

Three years later, their second son, Mateo, was born. In 2018, Messi became a father again when Antonella gave birth to their third son, Ciro. It wasn’t until 2017 that Messi held a wedding ceremony with Antonella, marking 20 years since their first meeting.

In his football career, Messi has faced numerous challenges, from injuries to failures, even accusations of tax evasion and a prison sentence. Regardless, Antonella and their sons have always stood by Messi, helping him weather the storms.

In the world of football, where stars are known for their form, talent, wealth, playboy lifestyles, and changing partners frequently, Lionel Messi is one of the rare football legends with a deeply fulfilling romantic life. His loyalty to Antonella Roccuzzo inspires faith in true love in this world.