He Won The Golden Ball At The World Youth Championships

Lionel Messi was identified as having growth hormone deficiency (GHD) at the age of 11, a condition that inhibited growth and necessitated pricey medical care. But because of his extraordinary talent, Spanish professional football team FC Barcelona promised to pay for his medical expenses and gave him the chance to practice at their La Masia junior program. The Messi family moved to Barcelona in February 2001. Since initially signing the contract at the age of 13, Lionel Messi has only ever competed for FC Barcelona. Messi demonstrated his potential when he was still a young player. He was a crucial member of "Generation 87," also known as the "Baby Dream Team," which is largely regarded as Barcelona's greatest-ever youth team and also included Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique.

It swept everything in its path, going undefeated throughout their U.15 season and taking home the Copa Catalunya, the Catalan and Spanish league championships. Argentina won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship under Lionel Messi's captaincy on the international stage. In addition, he earned the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe prizes, which are given to the top player and scorer in the competition, respectively.