Lionel Messi

Lionel Andre Messi Cuccittini is born.

Jun 24, 1987

Born to Celia Maria Cuccittini and Jorge Horacio Messi in Rosario, Argentina.

Began playing soccer.

Mar 20, 1992

Messi kicks off his soccer career at the age of five. He played on a local team coached by his father.

Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency

Mar 21, 1998

Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone defiency at the age of 11.

Moved to Spain

Mar 21, 2000

LIonel moved to Spain with his father for his soccer career. He attended a youth academy in Barcelona.

Debuts on FC Barcelona C Team

Nov 29, 2003

Image: http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/12/barcelona-cruise-past-ac-milan-to-reach-champions-league-quarter-finals-3539130/

Debuts on FC Barcelona B Team

Mar 6, 2004

Image: http://metro.co.uk/2013/03/12/barcelona-cruise-past-ac-milan-to-reach-champions-league-quarter-finals-3539130/

Obtained Spanish Citizenship

Sep 26, 2005

Muscle tear in right thigh.

Mar 7, 2006

The muscle tear ended Lionel's 2005-06 season early in the game against Chelsea.

Breaks Metatarsal

Nov 12, 2006

Messi breaks his metatarsal against Real Zaragoza.

Messi plays his 100th official match with Barcelona.

Feb 27, 2008

Messi is given the FIFA World Player of the Year Award.

Dec 21, 2009

Messi's son, Thiago, is born.

Nov 2, 2012

Meets Pope Francis.

Aug 13, 2013

Messi, a Roman Catholic, meets Pope Francis.

Messi wins Golden Ball award.

Jul 13, 2014

Loses World Cup to Germany in Championship Match.

Jul 13, 2014

Messi plays for Argentina and loses in overtime to Germany 1-0. Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Germany_and_Argentina_face_off_in_the_final_of_the_World_Cup_2014_18.jpg