Full Name: Lionel Andrés Messi
Date of Birth:June 24, 1987
Place of Birth:Rosario, Argentina
Nationality: Argentine
Height: 169 cm.
Weight: 75 Kg.
Position: Winger
Squad Number: 10
Current Club: Barcelona
Biography
Messi was born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina to parents Jorge Messi, a factory worker and part-time cleaner, and Celia (née Cuccitini). He also has two older brothers named Rodrigo and Matías as well as a sister named Maria Sol. At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli. In 1995, Messi switched to Newell’s Old Boys. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. River Plate showed interest in Messi’s progress, but did not have enough money to pay for the treatment of the illness that cost $1500 a month. Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, was made aware of Messi’s talent, and FC Barcelona signed him after watching him play, offering to pay for the medical bills if he was willing to move to start a new life in Spain. His family moved to Europe and he started in the club’s youth teams. (Source)
