Lionel Messi biography

Early life

His full name is Luis Lionel Andres Messi. Born in June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge. In 1995 Messi switched to his hometown's Newell's Old Boys. At the age 11, he suffered from a hormone deficiency.His parents can't pay his medical treatment in Agrentina, so they moved to Barcelona, Spain.

After his first trial with Barcelona, the Catalan coaches had no doubts. They decided to sign Messi and pay for his medical treatment. He made his debut in the first division in October 2004, against Espanyol, and Barcelona have since adopted him as one of their greatest idols.

Family

His mother is Celia Maria Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner and his father is Jorge Horacio Messi, a factory steel worker. Messi has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and a sister, Maria Sol. His paternal family originates from the Italian city of Ancona, from which his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883.

In December 2008 Lionel Messi announced his relationship with Antonella Roccuzzo, Daughter of Joseph Roccuzzo, a businessman from supermarkets and Patricia White, housewife. Antonella has one older sister and one younger sister.

In November 2, 2012, Leo Messi become a father for first time. The babe is a boy and is named Thiago.

"Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift! Thanks to my family for the support! A hug to everyone." wrote the Barca superstar of his facebook wall.

Charity

In response to Messi's own childhood medical difficulties, in 2007 Messi based Leo Messi Foundation to supporting access to education and health care for disadvantaged children. The foundation offers treatment in Spain of children, who are diagnosed with illnesses and pay funds covering the transport, hospital and recuperation costs.

On 11 March 2010 Messi was announced as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Messi is supported in this by Barcelona, who also have a strong association with UNICEF.

Messi funded the construction of a dormitory inside Newell's stadium for the club's youth academy, as well as a new gymnasium for the club. For its part, Newell's has begun to embrace its ties with Messi, and plans to issue a special club membership card to Messi's son.

Salary

In December 2012, FC Barcelona announced that Messi will sign a 5 year contract extension which will keep him at FC Barcelona until 2018. Barca will raising his base salary to € 16 million net, which will make him the highest on-the-pitch earner in soccer. His formal buy-out clause remains at € 250 million.