Lionel Messi #10

Profile

To become the best in the world (and, for many, the greatest in history), Messi had to spend his teenage years away from home. Since Newell's Old Boys couldn’t afford the growth hormone treatment he needed, he moved from Rosario to Barcelona, with his father Jorge, at the age of 13 for a trial. By the time he left to join Paris St-Germain 21 years later, he had won seven Ballons d’Or and the hearts of the world. To his innate talent, he had to add a mental fortitude that proved crucial throughout his career – especially in never giving up after losing finals with the national team, which he endured at the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa Américas. This resilience ultimately led him to guide his country to two continental titles and to the pinnacle of success in Qatar. He will turn 39 during the group stage, and is now spending the final years of his professional career at Inter Miami, where he is also part of the club’s ownership group. There, he is surrounded by friends football has given him, such as Luis Suárez, and is enjoying his 'last dance' while helping build a new era for the club, including a stadium that will feature a stand named in his honour.

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