Lionel Messi is probably the biggest name that has ever stepped on the soccer pitch. The ‘little boy from Rosario’ recently ‘conquered his final peak’ when he lifted the World Cup in Qatar and probably established himself as the greatest to ever grace the sport.
But imagine a world where there is no Lionel Messi playing soccer? We can’t do it but there might have been a soccer world without him because Messi’s career could have finished even before it started.
The Argentine suffered from a disease called Growth Hormone Disorder during his childhood days. The disease threatened to end Messi’s career as it would have stopped his growth in only his childhood and would have robbed the world of a legend.
At the age of 11, Lionel Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency and stopped growing at 4′ 8″.
When he signed with FC Barcelona at the age of 13, they offered to pay for his daily treatment, and he ultimately grew to be 5′ 7″. pic.twitter.com/RFRYQywJaX
— UberFacts (@UberFacts) January 9, 2020
But there was something else written in the destiny for the little boy, he had to rise to the top of the world, and he did. The treatment for the disease could have cost Messi’s parents a whopping $900 a month which they couldn’t afford.
So how did Lionel Messi make it then? How did he become the legend he is? It was because a certain club based in Spain’s Catalonia region saved the day for Messi and his family after famously signing his contract on tissue paper.
How did Barcelona help Lionel Messi?
FC Barcelona came forward to help Lionel Messi when every other club in Argentina hesitated. They recognized Messi’s talent and took the risk of investing in the child. They signed a contract and agreed to pay for the medical treatment of the boy.
Messi crying breaks my heart 💔💔😭😭#Messi #FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/BfamnJoGjN
— Syed Arhum Intsar (@arhum_bunty) August 8, 2021
This investment reaped Barcelona dividends of unreal value. This little boy they saved from a career-threatening disease, gave them the brightest years of their history. Messi became a legend at Camp Nou but had to leave the club in 2021.
The Argentine could be seen in tears while announcing his farewell because he hadn’t forgotten what FC Barcelona did for him. How they backed him when no one else did.
What is Lionel Messi’s current height?
Even though Messi was treated for the disease he had, it still left its impression. Messi couldn’t reach a considerable height but that could have been a blessing in disguise for the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner. He reminded viewers of his idol Diego Maradona who was a brilliant dribbler just like Messi and was also of short stature.
2. Lionel Messi ⚽️
The current king of world football, Messi’s close control and dribbling ability are simply mesmerizing. His quick feet and ability to change direction in an instant make him a nightmare for defenders. pic.twitter.com/uBg7G1hPYk
— 🌺Pearl🌺 (@pearlquen) March 24, 2023
Standing 5’5 feet, Lionel Messi slaloms past defenders with a touch of magic and class like no other. His short height is a huge factor in this because it helps him change directions with ease compared to taller players.
The world can’t imagine soccer without Messi but we might not have even known him if not for FC Barcelona. Their investment in him at a crucial juncture changed the way soccer will be known forever.
