6 interesting things you didn't know about Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer to have graced the game. The little magician has had one of the most celebrated and trophy-laden careers of all time and also added an international trophy to his cabinet by winning the Copa America 2021 with Argentina.
The 34-year-old has broken several long-standing records in his glittering career so far and is the only player in the history of football to win seven Ballon d'Or awards.
This article will help you learn a few unusual facts about the diminutive Argentine. On that note, here are six interesting facts that you probably didn't know about Lionel Messi.
#6 The growth hormone deficiency and love for Coke
We all know Messi was born in Rosario – a birthplace he shares with the legendary revolutionary Che Guevara.
During his tender years, he had a growth hormone deficiency which required expensive medication. Many believe it was Barcelona who paid for this treatment when he was signed by the Catalan giants in 2001.
However, contrary to popular belief, his medication was taken care of by the Argentinian social security.
Despite his health condition, Messi was just 13 when he joined Barcelona and, like any other teenager, had a sweet spot for cola drinks. His love for aerated drinks was such that all the soda machines in La Masia had to be removed to prevent him from spoiling his health further.
#5 The paper napkin that rewrote footballing history
Messi rewrote most of the footballing record books with his goal-scoring exploits, but it all started when Barcelona's technical secretary Carles Rexach was mesmerized by the brilliance of the then 13-year-old.
Rexach was so spellbound by what he had seen that due to the non-availability of a contract at the time, he decided to seal the deal on a piece of paper available instantaneously – in this case, a paper napkin.
The paper napkin has been kept in a frame to preserve it for the ages as it marks a new era in the history of FC Barcelona.