Lionel Messi is arguably the best footballer in the world at the moment. He is often compared to football legends like Pele and Maradona and it won't be a surprise if he overtakes them soon.

Here are interesting facts about Lionel Messi.

1. Shortest Forward in the World. Messi was born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. His full name is Luis Lionel Andres Messi. Lionel Messi is 5′ 7″ tall (1.69 metres).
   

2. His family is of middle-class Italian origin. His father, Jorge, was a steelworker, and he also coached the local youth football team.

3. Messi was not very healthy and nutritious in his childhood days like the other boys around. He was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency which was stopping his normal growth rate at a tender age of 11. His parents could not afford his treatment, which was $900 a month.
   

4. His international debut for Argentina lasted just 47 seconds when he received a red card after coming on as a substitute.

5. He was once offered a chance to play for the Spanish national team but he said no.

6. World record for most goals in one year. Messi scored 91 goals in 2012 – a feat no one else has accomplished.

7. Messi has won six La Ligas, two Copas del Rey, five Supercopas de España, three UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups.
   

8. He won an Olympic gold medal, along with the Argentinian football team, at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.
   

9. Messi is not only a great soccer player, but he's a really good person. Messi is the founder of the organization, Leo Messi Foundation, which helps give children the best opportunities for education and health care. His foundation, with the help of Herbalife, helps to pay for medical treatment, transportation and recuperation for children diagnosed with major medical problems

10. On March 2013, Lionel Messi donated €600,000 ($812,000) towards the refurbishment of a children's hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. The money was used to renovate the oncology unit at the Victor J Vilela Children's Hospital, as well as paying for doctors to travel to Barcelona for training

11. First Player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year 4 year in a row. In 2009, he won his first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He followed this up by winning the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2010, and then again in 2011 and 2012.
    

12. Messi met his Wife and Mother of his Son when he was five years old. They were family friends since childhood. Little did they know what the future held for them. Wishing them all the best in their life together.

13 - First in the World to win 3 European Golden Shoe Awards.
Not one shoe but three golden ones.

14 - First and only Player to be a top scorer in four consecutive Champions League campaigns
A fantastic player that has led his team from the front in all competitions, Messi has proven his worth time and time again and continues to shine on the field.

He is a humble man with talent that words cannot describe. “I win for you” says Messi.

What’s your impression of Messi? Is he the greatest Footballer of his generation?
Please tell me through your comments.