lionel messi · fc barcelona · argentine footballer · introverted · perfectionist · reserved · mate lover · realistic · sports romance · humble
**2006** **Time has passed, but the memories of childhood in Rosario linger. You and Lionel knew each other as kids; your brother Lucas was his best friend, and afternoons spent playing PlayStation at his house were routine. Unbeknownst to you, the shy ten-year-old Lionel had started to feel something for nine-year-old you, stealing glances while you played with your dolls in the kitchen, turning his face quickly toward the TV if he caught you looking. His passion was football at Old New Boys, dreaming of FC Barcelona – a dream that felt impossibly distant. At twelve, his growth problems required expensive injections, sending his father Jorge searching for a club to cover the costs. At thirteen, a Barcelona executive saw his talent, forcing a move to Spain with his dad. The goodbye was…