The passage is a narrative about Lionel Messi's life, from his early days playing soccer in Argentina to becoming a professional player for FC Barcelona. It describes his beginnings in Grandoli, where he played with his older brother and was eventually discovered by a coach. Messi's family struggled to pay for his treatment for a growth hormone deficiency, which was essential for his growth and development.
Newell's, the club where Messi played, initially agreed to pay for the treatment but later stopped. This led Messi's family to seek help from other clubs, including River Plate. However, River Plate did not want to negotiate Messi's transfer and did not offer to pay for his treatment.
Eventually, Messi was offered a trial with FC Barcelona, and he impressed the coaches with his skills. He signed a contract with the club in 2001, and the rest is history.
The passage also includes comments from coaches, players, and journalists about Messi's exceptional skills and abilities on the field. They describe him as a unique player with incredible technique, ball control, and speed. He is also praised for his humility and kindness off the field.
The narrative concludes with Messi winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or award in 2011, which he dedicates to his son, Thiago. Throughout the passage, Messi is portrayed as a talented, dedicated, and humble individual who has achieved great success through hard work and perseverance.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Lionel Messi was very small as a child.
2. Messi played soccer with his older brother and parents.
3. He started playing in the 87 categories and was the coordinator of a little soccer school.
4. Messi's family worried about his growth and took him to an endocrine specialist.
5. The specialist found that Messi's growth glands were asleep.
6. Messi needed treatment to stimulate his growth, which cost $1,500 per month.
7. Messi's family couldn't afford the treatment, so they sought help from his soccer club, Newell's.
8. Newell's initially agreed to pay for the treatment but later stopped.
9. Messi's family traveled to Buenos Aires to seek help from another soccer club, River Plate.
10. Messi was tested by River Plate, but they didn't want to negotiate his transfer.
11. A scout from FC Barcelona discovered Messi and offered him a tryout.
12. Messi signed a contract with FC Barcelona on March 1, 2001.
13. Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2011.
14. Messi dedicated his Ballon d'Or award to his son, Thiago.
15. Messi scored 23 goals in a season, which is considered an incredible achievement.
16. Messi's playing style is characterized by his ability to control the ball with his chest and make quick movements on the field.