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He suffered from a growth hormone deficiency, which required expensive medical treatment. FC Barcelona recognized his talent and offered to cover his medical expenses if he moved to Spain to join their youth academy, La Masia. At the age of 13, Messi relocated with his family to Barcelona to pursue his football dream.

Messi quickly rose through the ranks of Barcelona's youth system, showcasing exceptional skill and vision on the field. In 2004, at just 17 years old, he made his first-team debut for Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to represent the club at the time. From there, Messi's career soared as he established himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

During his tenure at Barcelona, Messi amassed numerous individual accolades, including multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or awards, recognizing him as the world's best player. He played a pivotal role in Barcelona's dominance, helping the team win numerous domestic and international titles, including UEFA Champions League trophies.

In 2021, after spending his entire professional career at Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a free transfer due to financial constraints at Barcelona. His move to PSG marked a new chapter in his illustrious career, where he continued to mesmerize fans with his extraordinary talent.

Contributions to the United States

While Lionel Messi has primarily spent his career playing in Europe, his influence extends globally, including to the United States. Messi's popularity transcends borders, and he has been a significant figure in popularizing football in the U.S. His matches, whether for Barcelona, PSG, or the Argentine national team, garner immense attention from American fans.

Additionally, Messi's presence in high-profile events like the International Champions Cup and friendly matches held in the U.S. has contributed to the growing interest in football across the country. Moreover, his stature as one of the sport's greatest ambassadors has undoubtedly inspired countless young American athletes to pursue their dreams in football.

In summary, Lionel Messi's childhood struggles and meteoric rise to football stardom, coupled with his contributions to popularizing football in the United States, have left an indelible mark on the sport's global landscape.