On Tuesday, Lionel Messi celebrates his 27th birthday, while participating in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and what better way of marking this milestone than to help Argentina move forward in their quest to the title.
Argentina is already in the round of 16 and even though they looked less than impressive against a much weaker team like Iran, Messi was able to save the embarrassment of a draw with a last minute goal . Leo, as he is known to his fans, proved why he is considered the best player in the world (unless you are a Ronaldo fan).
Looking at Messi’s stats (if you don’t know them by heart) will leave you in awe at his talent. “La Pulga” — as he is lovingly called by fans, because of his diminutive stature — is one heck of a player, with 394 goals in his stellar career.
#Argentina VIDEO: http://t.co/JH0OzLDntH // pic.twitter.com/YfPRj4ldsZ
— The Sports Quotient (@SportsQuotient) June 21, 2014
The records are impressive for the 27-year-old Argentina-born striker, but he has never won the World Cup and for a player at his level, that is the ultimate goal. In anticipation of his birthday, Messi scored one goal each against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran, a good way to celebrate.
Here are the most impressive Lionel Messi stats in honor of his 27th birthday. A more modest player than the flashy Cristiano Ronaldo — his nemesis — and loved by millions, here are some of the reasons why:
- 6 La Liga titles
- 3 Champions League titles
- 2 Copa Del Rey titles
- 5 Super Copa De Espana
- 2 World Club Cup
- 2 UEFA Super Cup
- 1 Olympic Gold Medal
- 1 U20 World Cup
- 4 FIFA Ballon d’Or
- 3 FIFA World Player of the Year
- 1 FIFA Young Player of the Year
- 4 Champions League topscorer
- 3 European Golden Shoe
You may not know it, but birthday boy Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency when he was a child. The treatments for the condition cost $900 per month and Argentinian club River Plate — in a decision they must regret to this day — did not want to take up the cost, however, FC Barcelona did.
Barca’s sporting director, Carles Rexach heard about the young talented Messi and a trial with the team was arranged. Rexach — who had no paper with him at the time — offered the young talent a contract written on a napkin. Barcelona offered to pay for Messi’s medical bills on the condition that he move to Spain. And the rest is history.
Today Lionel Andrés Messi celebrates his 27th birthday and is set to add to his 394 career goals. We look forward to many more great moments at the 2014 World Cup and beyond from “La Pulga.”
[Image via Twitter ]
