A biography by Tània Faura

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was born, 24 June 1987, in Rosario, Argentina to a working class family.
His father was a factory steel worker, and his mother a cleaner.

He began playing from an early age, and his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunded growth, and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human growth hormone.

Local Club, River Plate was interested in signing Messi, but didn't want to pay for his medical treatment. However, Messi was given a trial with Barcelona, and Carles Rexach was impressed-offering Messi a contract which included paying for Messi's treatment in Spain.
Messi moved to Barcelona with his father and became part of the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy. What I admire most about him is his fighting spirit and his sacrifice to football.