As Messi celebrates his 31st birthday, it may not be a happy time for his national side Argentina is Russia, who are one draw away from first round elimination, but that won’t stop us from celebrating what a genius he is that too on his special day.
Here’s a look at some cool facts about the Barcelona star on his birthday.
1. Youngest Player to Score For Barcelona
Lionel Messi became the youngest player (17 years) to score for Barcelona after he scored his maiden goal against Albacete in May 2005 (now the record his held by Bojan Krkic).
Messi is also the third youngest player (aged 17) to feature for Barcelona when he made his debut against RCD Espanyol in October 2004.
2. Messi Signed on a Paper Napkin
The Argentine signed his first contract with Barcelona on a paper napkin since the then FC Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach, who was so impressed with Messi’s skills could not find a paper and he wanted to sign a contract with the youngster immediately.
3. 28 Trophies and Counting
Lionel Messi has had the most illustrious careers of all time. Apart from the World Cup he has almost won every other trophy. Messi has also been part of the gold medal winning Argentine team in the Beijing olympics in 2008.
He has nine La Liga trophies, six Copa del Reys, seven Supercopa de Espanas, four UEFA Champions Legaues, three UEFA Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups under his belt.
4. Most Goals in One Season
The 28-year-old holds the record of most goals scored in a single season (73). He totally unleashed himself in the 2011-12 season, winning the Ballon d’Or and the European Golden Shoe award.
Messi also holds the World Record for the most number of goals in a calendar year for both club and country, which is 91 goals in 2012.
Szentlorinc AC’s Ferenc Deak is second to Messi with 66 goals, which he scored in the 1945-46 season.
5. The Ballon d’Or Man
At five, Messi has won the joint highest number of Ballon d’Or awards in the history of the game. He is the first player to win four Ballon d’Or awards and he won them in consecutive years (2009-2012).
He is also the first player to win five European Golden Shoe awards.
(This story is from The Quint’s archives and was first published on 29 June 2016. It is being republished to mark Lionel Messi’s birthday.)
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