Lionel Messi shares his birthplace – Rosario – with revolutionary Che Guevera
At 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency which was stopping his normal growth rate. His parents could not afford his treatment, which was 900 USD per month
Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach was so impressed with Messi's skills with the ball, that he offered to pay his medical bills and move his family to Spain and sign him when he was just 13. He first signed on a paper napkin as there were no sheets available at that moment
His international debut for Argentina lasted just 47 seconds when he received a red card after coming on as a substitute
He was once offered a chance to play for the Spanish national team but he said no
Messi is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. He also works in support of people suffering from Fragile X Syndrome which is a kind of autism
Whenever he scores a goal, his simple celebration of raising his arms in the air is a gesture of gratitude to his grandmother who passed away when he was 10
