Fast facts about the guy some call the best soccer player in the world

KTRK logo
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Fast facts on Lionel Messi
Fast facts on Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team.

But that's not all there is to know about him.

Lionel Messi fun facts

He was born June 24, 1987, when Ronald Reagan was president and everyone was listening to Whitey Houston's huge hit I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me.)

That also means "Leo" is really a Cancer, making him loyal, tenacious, intuitive and independent.

Messi's not tall, standing at only 5'7". He can blame a childhood hormone deficiency for that.

RAW VIDEO: Lionel Messi and team Argentina practice for big game

Messi with team Argentina at practice

Technically, he's a middle child (third of four siblings). Not sure how that plays out for that whole eldest child/high achiever stuff.

RAW VIDEO: Press conference with Argentine manager Gerarado "Tata" Martino

Press Conference with Tata Martino, Manager of Argentine team

Some call Messi the best player in the world. He is the captain of the Argentina national side and has played in three World Cups (2006, 2010 and 2014) and three Copa Américas (2007, 2011 and 2015). In the summer of 2008 he also played at the Beijing Olympics, and came home with a gold medal. You be the judge.