Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. His real name is Luis Lionel Andres Messi but many know him as "Leo" or "La Pulga". At a very young age Messi has loved the sport of soccer and has been playing it ever since he was about five years old. His dad owned a small soccer club and that is where he started playing. As his talent continue to grow at the age of 8 he then transferred to a new soccer club named Newell's Old Boys. Messi wasn't scared to play against kids older than him. He was a very small boy for his age. At the age of 11 years old, doctors told him he had a hormone deficiency which did not allow him to continue to grow. His family did not have the money that was required to pay for the medical needs. They decided to look for a club that could afford the treatment and pay it. River Plate, one of the best soccer clubs in Argentina, were debating on whether to take him in or not. They came to a conclusion and decided not to take in the young soccer player because they wouldn't be able to pay 500 euros per month for his treatment. The young talented player thought his career was over, but he would of never guessed that FC Barcelona, a soccer club from Spain considered by many one of the best clubs in the world, had looked into his situation and agreed to take him in and pay for his medical bills with one condition, for him and his family to move to Barcelona, Spain. His family agreed and soon Messi found himself playing in one of the best soccer clubs in the world.