Argentina striker Lionel Messi, arguably one of the greatest ever to play the beautiful game, turned 36 on June 24. The modern-day footballing demigod, nicknamed 'La Pulga' (the Flea in Spanish) and 'Messiah', was born in a humble household in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
After giving early notice of his mazy dribbling skills and precocious talent during his time with his boyhood Argentinian club, Newell's OldBoys, Messi went on to attain legendary stature while playing for Barcelona, the club with which he won 10 Spanish La Liga and 4 Champions League titles.
However, the crowning moment of his illustrious footballing career came last year when he led Argentina to its third FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.