The biggest news to come of the football world this week was the announcement by Barcelona that after 21 years Lionel Messi would be leaving the Spanish team.
The announcement came as a surprise to many who were expecting him to wind down his career at Barcelona.
The 34-year-Old Argentine international has already been linked to a move to Paris Saint Germaine. A move that will make him one of the most expensive transfer signings of the summer transfer window.
Even as Lionel Messi prepares to leave a club that has been his ticket to 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and three Club World Cup wins and 6 Ballon Dór recognitions.
At Barcelona Messi scored 672 goals out of 778 appearances and 266 assists making him the most capped player at the club.
Many are waiting to see who is going to perfectly fill the gap of the football maestro in the team considering his ever overpowering presence in the striking position creating magnificent chances and scoring as well.
But just how did Lionel Messi land at the Camp Nou to become one of the most successful players of the Spanish side? Well, it all began when he was diagnosed with a growth Hormone Deficiency while still a young player at Newel’s Old Boys.
A complication that threatened his future career as a footballer. Given the expensive nature of the treatment most teams were unwilling to sign but Barcelona offered to pay for his treatment until he completed it aged 14.
Lionel Mess made his debut for Barcelona in November 16 2003 under Frank Rijkaard on the 71st minute of the match, replacing Fernando Navarro a friendly match that Barcelona lost 2-0 to Porto.
With only a few more contract details set to be agreed before he completes his Medicals at Parc des Prince many await to see how the reunion with his former teammate Neymar Jr is going to be considering they had one of the best combinations in the Spanish La Liga.
