Messi - The Sacrifices for a Future Star

I've been reading the definitive biography Messi by author Guillem Balagué. It shares detailed insights into a 13-year-old Lionel Messi and his family’s support and sacrifices as they uprooted themselves, leaving Rosario in Argentina for the foreign shores of Barcelona, Spain. 

Every so often, football produces a story so staggering it feels destined. This is one of those stories. When Messi first arrived at La Masia in 2000, he wasn’t yet the global icon we know. He was a quiet, small boy with a big dream. Barcelona’s technical director at the time, Carles Rexach, remembered: “From the first moment I saw him play, I knew he was special. The ball seemed tied to his foot.” 

His teammates at the academy noticed the same. Cesc Fàbregas later said: 

“He didn’t say much, but when he had the ball, you couldn’t take it off him. We all knew.” 

A Family Gamble 

Messi’s parents faced a huge decision: leave behind their life in Argentina so their son could pursue his dream. His father, Jorge, recalled: “It was not easy. We were leaving everything. But we believed in Leo’s talent and his passion. We couldn’t deny him that chance.” For Messi’s mother, Celia, the separation was even harder: “I cried a lot. He was still a boy. But this was his opportunity. We wanted him to be happy.” 

The Breakthrough 

Messi’s chance came in a friendly against Porto in 2003. Just 16 years old, he stepped onto the pitch wearing Barcelona’s first-team shirt for the first time. Ronaldinho, already a world star, took him under his wing. “When I saw him play, I thought, this kid will do what I do… and much more.” — Ronaldinho 

Messi himself was typically humble: “I just wanted to play football. I didn’t think about being the best, only about improving every day.” 

Lessons for Young Players and Their Families 

Messi’s story holds powerful lessons for today’s players, parents, and guardians. 

Talent Needs the Right Environment Messi had talent, but Barcelona gave him the platform: world-class coaching, development, and medical support for his growth hormone treatment. Outstanding players need the right environment to thrive. 

Family Sacrifice and Support Matter His parents uprooted their lives for his dream. Families often make unseen sacrifices: time, money, emotional support. The balance is tough. For example, 97% of players taken on by Premier League academies don’t make a first-team career. That is a staggering number of families who must support their child when the football dream doesn’t materialise. 

Humility and Work Ethic Trump Hype Messi never acted like a superstar at 13 or 16. He was humble, head down. He focused on the ball, on learning from others, on improvement in his strengths: notably speed and efficiency over a short distance, and lower-body strength as he progressed rapidly through the youth ranks. 

Mentorship is Priceless Ronaldinho’s support in those early years gave Messi extra confidence. Every young player benefits from a mentor, whether a coach, senior player, or supportive parent. 

The Dream is Bigger Than Today Leaving home at 13 was heartbreaking, but Messi and his family kept their eyes on the bigger dream. For young players, setbacks and sacrifices are part of the journey. 

Messi’s story isn’t just about natural talent; it’s about the courage of a family, the wisdom of coaches, and the humility of a boy who only ever wanted to play football. 

For any parent seeing their child show consistent flashes of brilliance on the pitch, remember Messi’s journey. Believe in their dream, guide them, but also keep them — and yourself — grounded. Even if you see sheer brilliance in your child at the highest levels, so much can change over the development years. Messi always simply loved playing and winning. He was an incredibly competitive young man. Those combinations are key. 

As a parent or guardian, support them and see where the adventure leads. 

One2Pro: 

The use of video with a coach review is fantastic for honing skills and performance. In our One2Pro online coaching app, "Techniques of the Stars" are broken down step-by-step for players to follow and practice. 

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Be the One!  

Aaron Tighe 

Founder, One2Pro 

*What It Takes. Available on major retailers in hardcopy, eBook and audio. 

What It Takes: The inspiring insight of a boys football journey from childhood dreams to professional footballer by Aaron Tighe 

What It Takes: Aaron Tighe - An auto-Biography - Tighe, Mr Aaron P | Amazon.com.au | Books