The spirit of Lionel Messi can be felt across every single nook and corner of this world as he is one of the most revered footballers. Having carved a niche for himself, Lionel Messi is an embodiment of greatness, success and resilience.
As he celebrates his 37th birthday, this article is a tribute to the nimble-footed diminutive legendary striker from Argentina. He has bagged the prestigious Ballon d’Or for a record 8 times and is considered as one of the greatest-ever footballers to play this sport.
Messi had led Argentina to their 3rd FIFA World Cup title when they defeated France in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
In this article, we take a look at 5 unknown facts about Lionel Messi:
1. Made Inter Miami win their first major trophy
Having made a move to Inter Miami from Barcelona in 2023, it was undoubtedly one of the most high-profile moves in the history of the sport. Messi instantly turned around the fortunes of the American club.
Lionel Messi spearheaded the side to win the 2023 Leagues Cup and had defeated Nashville in the finals via penalties. Messi had netted 10 goals and had assisted in 3 goals during this tournament.
2. Had a unique idol choice
Many from Argentina would consider Diego Maradona as their role model and now of course, Lionel Messi. But the striker from Rosario had an offbeat idol choice. Growing up, he looking up to Pablo Aimar, who previously had represented Valencia and Real Zaragoza.
Both the players locked horns with each other in the La Liga on several occasions and share a great bond. Pablo Aimar was the assistant coach of Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
3. Lionel Messi is related to an ex-Barcelona player
Lionel Messi and Bojan Krkic are 4th cousins and both of them had played for the Spanish heavyweights, Barcelona. Ramon Perez and Goncal Perez were born to their great-great-great grandparents, Mariano Perez Miralles and Teresa Llobera Minguet, who wed in Catalonia in 1846.
4. Youngest Argentine player in 2006 to score in FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi became the youngest-ever Argentine player to score in the FIFA World Cup when he played in Germany in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro. His age was 18 years and 358 days at the time of scoring the goal.
Argentina had steamrolled past Serbia and Montenegro in that game and the scoreline of the match was 6-0.
5. Messi holds the Guinness World Record for most goals in a calendar year
Lionel Messi holds the Guinness World Record for scoring 91 goals in a calendar year in 2012. The previous record was held by Germany’s Gert Muller, who netted 85 goals in 1972.
Also read: Happy Birthday Sachin Tendulkar: 3 Iconic Knocks Of The Master In IPL
