Age: 22
Position: Winger/Striker
Club: Barcelona
Considered as one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world's best contemporary player, Messi had received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22.
His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor". At 18, he became youngest player to represent Argentina when he appeared at the 2006 finals, though was kept mainly on bench.
Position: Winger/Striker
Club: Barcelona
Considered as one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world's best contemporary player, Messi had received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22.
His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor". At 18, he became youngest player to represent Argentina when he appeared at the 2006 finals, though was kept mainly on bench.