Messi: The new Maradona

New Delhi: Lionel Andres Messi of Argentina is one of the most egarly awaited among all the football players who will be coming to the FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Dubbed as the new Diego Maradona a title even the legend endorses, Messi is one of the strikers for the Spanish club Barcelona.

Born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina Messi started playing football from a very early age for his hometown club, Newell's Old Boys.

However, he suffered a hormone deficiency from the age of 11 and his parents moved to Barcelona, Spain as they were unable to pay for treatment in Argentina.

After landing in Spain, Messi went for a trail at FC Barcelona and despite being just 13 he excelled at the trial.

He found himself playing for the Barcelona B team and averaged more than a goal per game.

In October 2004 he made his official debut against RCD Espanyol becaming the third-youngest player to ever play for FC Barcelona.

Seeing his stylish play, the Spanish national team offered him a place in the squad which he declined, waiting for a call from Argentina.

In June 2004 he got his chance, playing in an under-20 friendly match against Paraguay.

His love affair with Argentina started just a few days after his 18th birthday when he inspired his country's U-20 side to a fifth world title with a splendid display of soccer skills at the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005.

He also won the Golden Boot as the top scorer with six goals, and the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament.

"Although he's already a great player, Lionel needs to take things slowly. What he did in this tournament was fantastic, but in order to keep developing his game and improving, he needs to continue along the same lines," said the Argentina coach Francisco Ferraro.

But Messimania had already broken out in Argentina with many supporters and analysts comparing him to the young Diego Maradona.

Superb dribbling skills, explosive turn of pace, extraordinary vision and impressive technical skills make the left-footed Messi a master of the midfield.