My name is Lionel Andres Messi and I was born on 24 June 1987 south of Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. Presently, I play as a right forward for FC Barcelona (Barca) and for the Argentinian National Team. I have dual citizenship, Argentinian and Spanish, as I completed the two-year Spanish residency requirements in 2005. They call me Leo, Lio or La Pulga, but the one I am most used to is Leo.
My family has told me that from a very early age, when I was learning to walk, I had a passion for the ball. Clearly, I don’t remember that, but it’s not hard to imagine myself running after a ball.
As many of you may already know, as a child, when I was about 8, I had to undergo special treatment in order to have a normal rate of growth. I always remember that every night I would sit on my bed and have injections in my legs. It wasn’t fun, I can assure you, but I wanted to become a footballer so much that it was worth it. The problem was that the treatment was very expensive and my family couldn’t afford it. Mum and Dad tried everything and I will always be grateful for that. In the end, it seemed like the solution was in Spain, in Lerida, where some of our relatives live. My Dad was offered a job and, at the same time, it was my chance to go for a trial with Barca.
Luckily, the trials went well and before I knew it I had earned the opportunity to play in Barcelona. At that time, I always remember, my family and I had to make a very difficult decision. The question was whether to go back home or to try our luck in Barcelona. It sounds like an easy choice to make, but it saddens me to think about that time. One day my dad asked me: "What would you like to do, Leo?” "I’d like to stay”, I answered. I said that with great conviction and the hope of fulfilling a dream. I will never regret having made that decision, knowing that I would always have my family’s unconditional support.
A number:
10.
A food:
Anything Argentinian made by my mother. Although I must say that my dad also cooks like a professional :-)
A dessert:
Sweet pastries and anything with dulce de leche
A colour:
Red
A place:
Rosario, Argentina, and the neighbourhood where I grew up.
What would you be if you were not a footballer?:
I get asked that all the time, and I don’t have an answer. I’ve always liked football, since I was very little, and I signed for Barca when I was only 13.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?:
I go to the bathroom.
What is it that you least like about your job?:
Being away form my family.
And what do you like the most?:
The fans’ affection and playing football.
What do you like doing when you are at home?:
Being with my family and playing PlayStation.
A book:
El Martin Fierro, by Jose Hernandez
A film:
El hijo de la novia (The son of the Bride)
A TV series:
Prison Break and Lost
mountains or beach?:
I love the beach
A trip:
I don’t have any particular preferences, but I really enjoyed going to Disneyland.
A goal in life:
To win as many titles as possible and to grow as a person.
Married life or single life?:
Right now, I am fine as I am: in a relationship.
White or dark chocolate?:
Dulce de leche! :-)
An animal:
Dogs
Bowtie or tie?:
I don’t like either, but if I have to choose…a tie.
What makes you angry?:
Many things, but mainly injustice and the suffering of the underprivileged.
A habit:
A habit: I always play with my hair wet
A flaw:
I am quite shy
A virtue:
I try to be a better person every day
Sweet or savoury?:
Sweet
A stadium:
The Camp Nou, full
A memory:
The day of my debut with my first team and the final of the Champions League 2009
Looking back to the first time you played in the first team. how did you feel?
It was lovely, I only have fond memories, to be with Ronaldinho, Deco, Samu… It was amazing. I still remember how Ronalinho wanted me next to him. There was space available between him and motta … but I had to wait for official approval from the club before I could move. It’s not just that you can go wherever you wish…
Meat or vegetables?:
Beef and salad
A secret:
I don’t have one’
Where would you get lost?:
I don’t know, I enjoy being at home.
Winter or summer?:
Summer.
Who would take with you to a deserted island?:
My family
A song:
I don’t have a favourite, anything cumbia. some of my mates laugh when I make them listen to cumbia. They give weird looks, as if to say "What is that?”
A footballer:
Maradona.
What do you say to those who compare you to Diego?:
Those who do never saw him play…
What was it like to be with him in La noche del 10?:
OH, incredible… that guy is unique. We were backstage with my dad, my cousin and my uncle talking about the autographs and photographs we were going to ask him for. Suddenly, Diego opened the door and he came in. We were petrified. He left without us asking for anything… the camera didn’t even leave the case…
Your favourite move:
Ronaldinho’s elastica
Your worst memory as a player:
My injuries
And the best?:
Lots, all the titles won with Barca and the gold medal with Argentina in Beijing
A competition:
The World Cup
In this space, I’d like to tell you a little bit about myself and to share with you unforgettable moments that have marked me as a person.
In the photo and video galleries in the fan zone, you can find photos and footage of me as child, with my family and in situations that have little to do with my professional life.
I thought it was a good idea to show you this aspect of my life, which is very important to me.
I hope to have the time to update these sections and to be able to tell you much more about myself, on a regular basis.
As you already know, I am shy, but I will try my best to overcome my shyness so that, through the web, I can send you a lot more personal information.
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