Free Kick Masters Player Bio: Messi

Name: Lionel Andrés Messi

Age: 21

Club: FC Barcelona

National team: Argentina

Honors: * Golden Ball: FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005
* Golden Boot: FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005
* Bravo Award: 2007
* World Soccer Young Player of the Year: 2006, 2007
* Olimpia de Plata: Argentinian Player of the Year: 2005
* FIFPro World Young Player of the Year: 2006
* FIFPro World XI: 2007
* EFE Trophy: Best Ibero-American Player in La Liga: 2006-2007
* Best foreign player in La Liga: 2007
* Copa America Best Young Player: 2007
* World Soccer Footballer of the Year:
o 2nd place: 2007
* FIFA World Player of the Year:
o 2nd place: 2007
* SI Latino’s 2007 Sportsman of the Year: 2007

Interesting fact: At the age of 11, Messi 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 over £500 a month. Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, was made aware of Messi’s talent, and 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.