1. Messi shares his birthplace with the Argentinean revolutionary Che Guevera
2. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency which was stopping his normal growth rate at a tender age of 11. His parents could not afford his treatment, which was $900 a month
3. At the age of 17, he made his league debut against RCD Espanyol and became the third youngest person ever to play for FC Barcelona. At that time, he was also the youngest player to ever score for Barcelona
4. Messi's first contract with Barcelona was detailed out on a paper napkin! FC Barcelona Sporting Director Carles Rexach was so impressed with Messi's skills that he wanted to make a contract immediately and there was no paper available at that time. Barcelona also offered to pay his medical bills and move the family to Spain just to sign him when he was 13
5. Between his contract and endorsements, Messi makes about $128,000 (Tk1.07 crore) per day
6. Messi was was the first Argentine ever to be named Fifa World Player of the Year
7. Messi is the first football player in history to win four FIFA Ballons d'Ors, all of which he won consecutively, as well as the first to win three European Golden Shoe awards
8. Lionel Messi is 5′7″ tall
9. Messi’s international debut lasted only 47 seconds. He received a red card after coming on as a substitute.
10. He was offered a place in the national team by Spain which he did not accept
Source: ESPN, Goal, Bloomberg, The Guardian
