Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi (http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2011/ (guardian.co.uk))

            A young boy sits alone on a bench during recess at school. He watches quietly as his classmates kick the black and white ball around the field, their faces filled with joy. The lonely boy looks a lot smaller than the other kids, and also appears to be more fragile. His eyes glare at the bouncing ball in anxiety to go out there and kick it around too. None of the other kids would have ever imagined that the small boy they didn't want to play with during recess would become the best soccer player in the world: Lionel Messi. Born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina; Lionel Messi was immediately introduced to a world of soccer. Since his father was a soccer coach and he had two older brothers, Lionel had many teachers to show him what they knew about the sport. Although he was always extremely small for his age, he was also surprisingly talented at his sport. This made it seem very likely that he would get scouted by professional coaches and put on a professional team, but his size and physique said otherwise. It turned out he had a hormone deficiency, and if he ever wanted to play professionally, he would have to get treated. Lionel didn't take the news so much as a problem, but as an opportunity to really show people his incredible talent despite having his deficiency. Even with the odds against him, Messi fought for his dream. During his career, Messi broke several world records and accomplished more goals than he would have ever dreamed. However, his accomplishments didn't start or end there, he had always been a kind and humble person at heart, and he enjoyed helping people. Lionel Messi, an inspirational hero to millions of people, has proved that he deserves to be known as the best soccer player in the world, not just because of his amazing skill, but because of his incredible determination and his humble nature.

Young Lionel Messi (http://www.just-football.com/2009/10/photo-shoot-young-leo-messi/ (Jonathan F))

"From the age of three, I played every day-morning, afternoon and night," Messi said when asked how he is so good. Lionel Messi shows his determination in his sport every day by practicing for hours, and proves that he is determined to be the best in the world every time he plays. Lionel has demonstrated his determination and perseverance ever since he was a small boy: "He was extremely small for his age but extremely talented as well. On his first day of school, he was told he couldn't kick the ball with the other children because he was too fragile. He proceeded to put on a dribbling exhibition for his teacher." This quote clearly shows Lionel's determination in his sport and his life. It also shows his way of thinking, and that just because someone tells him he can't do something, that doesn't mean that he will just give up. This quote also brings out Lionel's confidence when he dribbles for his teacher after he was told not to. To have that much confidence at a very young age proves that he is a strong willed and proud person. Although Lionel's determination was great he was challenged with an unlucky illness: "After Lionel turned 11, the Messi's were informed by doctors that their talented son had a hormone deficiency. Growth hormone therapy would cost between $500 and $1,000 a month. Jorge's insurance covered the daily injections for a year or so, but with Argentina's economy crumbling, that money soon ran out. Lionel pulled on a Barca jersey and scored five goals in a scrimmage." Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a hormone deficiency early on in his life, which turned into quite a challenge for him and his family, but he didn't let that get in the way of growing up to be the "best soccer player of all time". Instead of giving up soccer to help his family with the little money they had, he worked his best at what he did best and got awarded for it. His determination saved his family and his health. Lionel Messi proves that it isn't just luck that got him to where he is today, but determination and hard work.

Lionel Messi's humble and kind nature makes him very different from most athletes and gives him one of his most heroic traits. Lionel's status as the best soccer player in the world doesn't keep him from staying true to himself and who he is: "Messi hardly looks a monarch: he possesses no hauteur, not even the 'I'm-the-MAN!' swagger expected of a modern sporting superstar. For someone who has lived half his life in the spotlight, he is surprisingly shy, even painfully so. 'Year after year, I've grown, improved,' he told me after the award ceremony. 'I was lucky to start very young and always have very good colleagues around me as I was coming up, and this has helped me and how I play'" (Time, 2/13/2012, Vol. 179 Issue 6, p40-43, 4p, 4 Color Photographs Middle Search Plus). Messi's respect towards his teammates and colleagues, and the fact that he doesn't brag, shows that he is a kind and humble person. This personality of his also makes Messi separate from many other athletes since most modern day sports stars aren't always so modest. In his quote, Messi shows that he depends as much on his teammates, coaches, and supporters as he does on himself when he states that it was luck, not talent that got him where he is today. Lionel's ultimate and most important goal of his career is to win a world cup with Argentina: "Messi says the World Cup is his ultimate ambition, but he is careful to couch it in terms of what it will mean for his country, not for his place in the game's history. 'I hope it's the moment for Argentina and that we can become champions. I'm going because I want to be champion and share the World Cup with my national team" (Time, 2/13/2012, Vol. 179 Issue 6, p40-43, 4p, 4 Color Photographs Middle Search Plus). Messi is a very selfless person who seems to care more about his team than just himself, so much so that he doesn't want to win the World Cup for himself and his reputation, but for his country and his team. He is one of the most humble celebrities of our time, and many people like him for this reason. In his quote Messi states that, for him, winning the world cup does not mean an eternity of fame and glory, but praise and respect for the Argentina team and the country. One of the most important traits that a hero could have is to be humble and true to themselves, a real hero like Messi never changes who they are, no matter what happens.

Lionel Messi (left) Sharing a Victory (http://www.telegraph.co.uk (Telegraph staff and agencies))

Today, anyone who plays soccer knows who Lionel Messi is, and thousands of people are amazed and inspired by him every day, whether it is because of his unmatched determination, his pure and humble personality, or just his incredible skill. Also, through his determination and perseverance, Lionel Messi was able to overcome a huge challenge that he had to face early in his life. Without his inspirational traits he probably never would have made it to where he is today. With these important traits and much more, Messi inspires people everywhere by telling them that they have to work hard to achieve their dreams, that they can do anything that they put their mind and heart to, and to never let anything keep you from achieving your dream. Despite everything Messi had to go through, he came out on top by telling himself to never give up, and to do your best at everything. This shows that Messi is an inspiration because he shows kids, through his actions and experience, that anything is possible if you work your best. He also reminds people that it is always good to stay true to who you are no matter what. A true hero has to have the mindset that they will succeed at anything they put their mind to with their determination, and also to be able to be the best person you can be without changing your personality. 

Works Cited

Stewart, Mark, and Mike Kennedy. "Index of /Bios/Messi." JockBio - Full-length

Biographies of Sports Heroes. Black Book Partners, LLC. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. <http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Messi/>.

Unknown. "Lionel Messi." Editorial. Time: 40-43. Web