Do you know something about the worlds number one footballer? Although, there can be several names which might pop up into your mind but Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers of all the time. He celebrates his birthday on 24th June every year and he will turn 32 years old on this 24th June. He is one of the most successful players. If you are a great fan of him, then you must know more about him and his life:

1.The real name of Lionel Messi

The real name of Lionel Messi is, Luis Lionel Andres Messi. He was born on 24th June 1987.

2. Birthplace

He was born in Rosario in Argentina and he was born in a middle-class Italian family. His father coached for a football team and was steelworker.

3.Growth hormone deficiency

He wasnt really healthy during his early age as he was suffering from growth hormone deficiency due to which his growth stopped at the age of eleven and his parents werent able to afford money for his treatment. Later on, he got treated after his skills were loved by the football team.

4.Debut at the age of 17

He played his first match against RCD Espanyol and also became the 3rd person who played on Barcelona.

5.First contract with Barcelona

The first contract was detailed out on a paper napkin because the sporting director got really impressed with his skills and there was no other paper available other than a napkin.

6.Impressive gameplay

He was able to move to Spain with his family and afford his medical treatment due to his amazing gaming style.

7.Citizenship

He has two passports and those are of Spain and Argentina. In the year 2005, he became a Spanish citizen.

8.Messis foot gold replica

There is a Japanese jeweler who cast his left foot to make a gold replica which was of 25kg and it was sold in the year 2013. The value of this foot was around $5.25 million.

9.Favorite Past times

The favorite pastimes of the best player Messi are to get relaxed with his girlfriend and his son named Thiago.

10. Way to celebrate

Whenever he scores a goal, he always celebrates by raising his hands in the air in a calm manner and thus he thanks to his grandmother in this way. She passed away when he was just ten years old but he believes that she is watching him. After knowing Lionel Messi facts, you will love him even more.

11.Shy personality

Messi has a shy personality from his childhood and those traits can also be seen now. It makes him feel difficult to talk over the phone and he likes to receive text messages instead of calls for important tasks also.

12.Four FIFA dOr

He has won a total of 4 FIFA/Ballons dOr in the history of football and he won all of them consecutively. He is the first person who won a total of three European Golden Shoe awards.

13.Brand ambassador

In the year 2012, he became the brand ambassador of the famous Turkish Airlines and he also shot commercial for this airline.

14.Best footballer

The best player Messi is considered one of the best footballers of his generation by various experts.  

15.Donations

He is an ambassador for UNICEF and he is also working for the people who are suffering from Fragile X syndrome. He has donated the amount of $812,000 for the hospital of children in Rosario in Argentina.

16. Good person by heart

Not only he is a great player but he is also an amazing person by heart. He has founded an organization named Leo Messi foundation which helps children to get healthcare and education. It is right to let you know about his achievements on Lionel Messi's birthday.

17.Endorsements

With his endorsements and contracts, he makes around $128,000 every day. Here have been featured on the covers of Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 video games. He has also been the face of this game in the year 2010.

18.Second richest soccer player

He is the 2nd richest soccer player who has a net worth of around $180 million. The wealthiest footballer is Cristiano Ronaldo.

19.Nickname, The Flea

He was given the nickname, The Flea due to his agility and speed on the field while playing football. He is one of the greatest footballers of his time.

20.Winnings

Messi has won 6 La Ligas, 5 Supercopas de Espana, 2 Copas del Rey, 2 UEFA Super cups and he is the player who has been able to score 25 goals in the calendar year in international competition with the country and his club.