Lionel Andres Messi

(http://media.photobucket.com/image/lionel+messi/joshmunoz17/lionel-messi.jpg)

Our hero is Argentinean soccer star Lionel Messi. He achieved fame and success and has established himself as one of the greatest soccer players to ever play. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2009, the highest honor for soccer players around the world. He currently plays for FC Barcelona in Spain and plays for the Argentina National Team.

Life for Messi hasn't always been easy. At age 11, he was diagnosed with human growth hormone deficiency, meaning he would never grow to the same size as everyone around him. He couldn't afford to pay for the medical costs involved, but a scout from Barcelona was aware of his talents and, after seeing him play, offered to pay all his medical expenses if he moved to Spain to play in the club's youth programs. He accepted and quickly moved up the ranks to become the superstar he is today.

Messi stands with Argentina soccer legend Diego M (http://www.messi-maradona.com/)

Today, Messi tries to give back to the world the same way Barcelona reached out to him at a young age. He started Fundacion Leo Messi in 2007 to support healthcare and education for underprivileged children so that they may have the same opportunities he was given. He was also named a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, a job in which he pushes for children's rights.

Messi is a hero to us because he used his fame to help others, rather than waste it in selfish pursuits. He worked his way to the top despite great adversity and continues to work hard and not rest on his achievements.

Messi being named goodwill ambassador for UNICEF (http://english.cctv.com/program/sportsscene/20100312/101154.shtml)