Leo was born June 24th, 1987, in the city of Rosario, Argentina.

He came from a regular working-class family, his father was a factory worker, and his mother a cleaner.

At the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with a growth deficiency. The treatment was pricey and ultimately dictated where his football career would take him.

There was never any doubt about his talent, but his stature on the field concerned some.

Perhaps most concerning was the cost of his growth hormone medication.

Argentine giants River Plate rejected the opportunity to sign him for that very fact.

The future GOAT would play for a short while in the youth teams of Newells, before making the move to Barcelona and Spain. Joining the prestigious La Masia academy at just 13 years of age.

The story goes, that Barca coach Carles Rexach wrote his first contract on a napkin, which included covering his medical treatment.