The Remarkable Journey: When Did Messi Start Playing Soccer?

Tracing the Origins of a Soccer Legend

We all know Lionel Messi as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. But when did Messi start playing soccer? Have you ever wondered when this Argentine maestro first stepped onto a soccer field? Let’s take a journey through time to explore the early beginnings that marked the start of Messi’s illustrious career

The Early Years: A Prodigy in the Making

A Soccer Ball as His First Toy

Lionel Messi’s love affair with soccer began almost as soon as he could walk. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi was introduced to the beautiful game by his family from a very young age. His father, Jorge Messi, worked as a steel factory manager but was also a coach for the local soccer team. It’s said that Messi’s first toy was a soccer ball, gifted to him on his third birthday.

Backyard Beginnings

While many kids his age were still learning to tie their shoelaces, young Leo was already dribbling a ball in his backyard. His grandmother, Celia, was one of his biggest supporters and would often take him to play soccer in the neighborhood. It wasn’t long before everyone in the family realized that this little boy had an extraordinary gift.

Full Name	Lionel Andrés Messi
Nickname	Leo, La Pulga, La Pulga Atómica—The Flea, The Atomic Flea
Parents	Jorge Messi (father) and Celia María Cuccittini
Birth Date	24-Jun-87
Nationality	Argentina
Position	Winger, false nine, attacking midfielder
Number	10, 30
Height	1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Wife	Antonella Roccuzzo
Children	Thiago, Mateo, Ciro

Joining His First Club: Grandoli FC

A Five-Year-Old Sensation

At the tender age of five, Messi took his first official step into organized soccer. In 1992, he joined Grandoli FC, a local club coached by his father. This is where Messi’s journey in competitive soccer truly began.

Making an Immediate Impact

Even at such a young age, Messi’s talent was undeniable. His coaches and teammates were amazed by his ball control, quick feet, and natural instinct for the game. It became clear that this wasn’t just a child playing for fun – Messi had the makings of a true soccer prodigy.

Newell’s Old Boys: Nurturing a Future Star

The Big Move at Age Six

After impressing everyone at Grandoli FC, Messi caught the attention of Newell’s Old Boys, one of the biggest clubs in Rosario. In 1994, at just six years old, Messi made the move to Newell’s youth academy. This transfer marked a significant milestone in his early career.

The “Machine of ’87”

At Newell’s, Messi became part of a youth team known as “The Machine of ’87,” named after the birth year of its players. This team was incredibly successful, often dominating local youth competitions. Messi quickly became the standout player, scoring nearly 500 goals during his six years with the club.

Overcoming Early Challenges

The Growth Hormone Deficiency

While Messi’s skill was developing rapidly, his physical growth was not keeping pace. At age 10, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. This condition threatened to derail his promising career before it had truly begun.

A Family’s Sacrifice

Treatment for Messi’s condition was expensive, costing several hundred dollars per month. His family struggled to afford it, and neither Newell’s Old Boys nor River Plate (another club interested in Messi) were willing to cover the costs. This challenge would ultimately lead to a life-changing decision for the Messi family.

The Barcelona Breakthrough

Crossing the Atlantic: A Leap of Faith

A Trial That Changed Everything

In September 2000, Messi, then 13 years old, was offered a trial with FC Barcelona. Carles Rexach, the club’s first team director, was immediately impressed by the young Argentine’s skills. However, there was hesitation among the board members about signing such a young foreign player.

The Napkin Contract

Legend has it that Rexach was so determined not to let Messi slip away that he drew up a contract on a paper napkin. This impromptu agreement, signed by Rexach and Messi’s agents, marked the beginning of Messi’s association with Barcelona.

La Masia: Messi’s New Home

Adapting to a New Life

In February 2001, the Messi family moved to Barcelona. Leo enrolled in the club’s famous youth academy, La Masia. This move not only provided Messi with world-class soccer training but also ensured he received the medical treatment he needed for his growth hormone deficiency.

Rising Through the Ranks

At La Masia, Messi’s development accelerated rapidly. He progressed through the various youth teams, consistently outperforming players several years older than him. His coaches were astounded by his skill, vision, and dedication to improving his game.

The Professional Debut

Barcelona C and B: The Final Steps

Dominating Youth Competitions

Before making his first-team debut, Messi played for Barcelona’s C and B teams. In these matches, he continued to showcase his extraordinary talent, often leaving opponents and spectators in awe of his abilities.

A Star in the Making

His performances at the youth level did not go unnoticed. First-team players and coaches began to take notice of the young Argentine who was tearing up the youth leagues.

The Moment Arrives: First-Team Debut

A Friendly Introduction

On November 16, 2003, at the age of 16 years, 4 months, and 23 days, Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in a friendly match against Porto. This moment marked the beginning of what would become one of the most illustrious careers in soccer history.

La Liga Debut

Messi’s official La Liga debut came on October 16, 2004, against Espanyol. At 17 years, 3 months, and 22 days old, he became one of the youngest players to represent Barcelona in an official match.

The Rest is History

Records and Achievements

A Trophy-Laden Career

From his debut onwards, Messi’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. He has won numerous La Liga titles, Champions League trophies, and individual awards, including multiple Ballon d’Or accolades.

International Success

While success with the Argentine national team took longer to achieve, Messi finally led his country to Copa America victory in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

The Legacy Continues

Inspiring the Next Generation

Messi’s journey from a small boy in Rosario to a global soccer icon continues to inspire young players around the world. His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and raw talent.

A Career for the Ages

As we look back on when Messi started playing soccer, it’s clear that his journey is one of the most remarkable in sports history. From those early days kicking a ball in his backyard to becoming a global superstar, Messi’s career serves as an inspiration to soccer fans everywhere.

How many goals did Messi score?

Goals For Barcelona

Tournaments	Goal
La Liga	474
Champions League	120
Spanish King’s Cup	56
UEFA Super Cup	3
FIFA Club World Cup	5
Spanish Super Cup	14
Total	672

Goals For the Argentina National Team

Tournaments	Goal
Friendly match	39
South America World Cup Qualifiers	28
Copa America	13
World Cup	6
Intercontinental Super Cup	0
Total	86

Goals For Paris Saint-Germain

Tournaments	Goal
Ligue 1	8
Champions League	5
Coupe de France	0
Total	13

All Messi’s Goals

Club / National Team	Goal	Average
PSG	13		0.2
Barcelona	672		1.5
Argentina National Team	86		0.51
Total	771		0.8

Conclusion: The Boy Who Became a Legend

When did Messi start playing soccer? The answer is simple: almost as soon as he could walk. But the real story lies in the journey that followed. From the streets of Rosario to the grand stages of world soccer, Messi’s path to greatness is a testament to his incredible talent, unwavering dedication, and the support of those who believed in him from the very beginning.

As we watch Messi continue to mesmerize us with his skills on the field, we’re reminded that greatness often has humble beginnings. His story teaches us that with passion, hard work, and a little bit of magic, dreams can indeed come true.

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