Lionel Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency as a child, requiring expensive treatment that FC Barcelona agreed to cover when he joined their academy.
Source: AP
He made his debut for FC Barcelona at 17, becoming the youngest player to score for the club in La Liga in May 2005.
Source: AP
Messi is a fan of "The Simpsons" and even made a guest appearance in an episode titled "The Burns and the Bees."
Source: AP
He established the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007 to support education and healthcare for vulnerable children, funding various important projects.
Source: AP
Messi's signature goal celebration involves lifting his shirt and pointing to the sky, dedicating his goals to his late grandmother, Celia, who inspired him greatly.
Source: AP
Lionel Messi is Inter Miami's all-time top goalscorer despite joining the team a year back.
Source: AP
Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr are among Lionel Messi's best friends.
Source: AP