Lionel Messi's Soccer Journey: From Childhood Dreams to Global Stardom
"Rome wasn't built in a day," as the old saying goes—and this perfectly describes Lionel Messi's journey to greatness.
Currently considered by many as the finest footballer in history, Messi's path to becoming a superstar has been lengthy and filled with numerous obstacles.
In this piece, we explore the Argentinian's remarkable story—from his early days as a child in Rosario to becoming the worldwide phenomenon he represents today.
When Did Lionel Messi First Start Playing Soccer?
Lionel Messi entered the world on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. His football journey began at the tender age of four when he joined Grandoli, his first club, under the guidance of his father, Jorge Messi.
When he turned seven, he became part of Newell's Old Boys youth system, a professional team based in Rosario. There, he joined the famous "La Máquina del '87"—a youth squad named after their birth year that ruled Argentine junior football.
Throughout his period at Newell's, Messi allegedly netted close to 500 goals, demonstrating his exceptional abilities well before his crucial transfer to FC Barcelona in 2000.
Messi put pen to paper on his inaugural Barcelona deal using a napkin during a discussion with club director Charly Rexach. In 2024, this historic napkin fetched almost $1 million at auction.
Messi's First Game for Barcelona: A Historic Debut
Lionel Messi stepped onto the field for Barcelona's senior squad at the remarkable age of 16 years, four months, and 23 days, entering as a substitute in the 75th minute during a friendly encounter with José Mourinho's Porto on November 16, 2003.
"He appeared as though he had been part of our team forever," remembered Henk ten Cate, who served as assistant coach at the time, when discussing Messi's remarkable first appearance.
Although his initial showing was encouraging, Messi needed to wait longer for his official professional premiere. After gaining crucial experience with Barcelona's reserve and youth teams, he made his competitive bow on October 16, 2004, at 17 years old, during a La Liga fixture against Espanyol.
On May 1, 2005, Messi found the net for his maiden senior goal for Barcelona during a match against Albacete, establishing himself as the club's youngest ever goalscorer at that point (17 years, 10 months, and 7 days). Ronaldinho provided the assist for this goal, marking the start of both an incredible career and a special bond between the two players.
Messi's Battle with Growth Hormone Deficiency
Messi's journey might have taken a completely different direction due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD)—a medical condition that can seriously impact physical development without proper treatment.
After being diagnosed at age 10, Messi started his treatment one year later during his time at Newell's Old Boys. Unfortunately, the expensive hormone therapy—requiring daily injections—became too costly for his family to maintain. Barcelona eventually intervened to cover the treatment costs, a promise formalized through the contract signed on that famous napkin.
When first diagnosed, Messi measured only 4'2". He now stands at 5'7".
Discussing this experience, Messi shared with América TV, via Mail Online: "I would inject my legs every single night. I began this routine at 12 years old. It wasn't something that made a lasting impact on me."
He continued: "Initially my parents administered the injections from when I was eight until I learned to do it myself. It involved a tiny needle. There was no pain, it became a normal routine that I had to follow and I approached it naturally."
What might have ended his career before it began instead became a crucial part of Messi's story—demonstrating his determination and the support system that helped create the finest player of his era.
Lionel Messi Retirement Rumors
Despite being in his late thirties, Lionel Messi remains active—currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Since his arrival at the club, he has contributed to their victories in the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield, continuing to expand his impressive trophy collection.
Fortunately for football enthusiasts worldwide—and regrettably for opposing defenders—as of summer 2025, Messi has not declared his retirement, nor has he provided any concrete timeline regarding when he intends to step away from professional football.
Nevertheless, he acknowledges that his career is approaching its conclusion.
"The conclusion is approaching," Messi confessed during a ceremony where Spanish publication MARCA honored him as the most successful player in history. "I'm savoring and treasuring each moment to the fullest. Thanks to God, I can declare that I've achieved every aspiration I ever held."
After Inter Miami's triumph over FC Porto in the 2025 Club World Cup, he provided additional insight: "I'm aware that I'm participating in my final matches and I'm relishing them completely. I'm certain that you're witnessing my last moments in elite football."
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many speculate this tournament might serve as his final farewell on the international stage.
Nevertheless, even Messi remains hesitant to make that confirmation.
"I consider it and remain patient to see what happens, but I don't want to establish that objective either. I'll approach it one day at a time and assess how I feel physically most importantly, while being truthful with myself as well," he explained.
When that final moment arrives, the entire world will stop—not merely to bid farewell to a player, but to honor the achievements of one of history's greatest athletes.