Introduction

“Tasty fare for readers inclined to hail the coming of soccer’s ‘Messi-ah.’”—Kirkus Reviews

Channel the grit, resilience, and positivity of soccer icon Lionel Messi as you trace his journey to become one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Global superstar, FIFA Player of the Year, and TIME magazine’s Athlete of the Year Lionel Messi’s arrival in the States has brought inspiration, excitement, and star power to men’s soccer. In Messi Mania, discover the seismic effect Leo has had on MLS and global soccer, woven through with fascinating insights into his family background, childhood, teenage years, and career to date.

Messi’s career has been built on hard work, determination, and teamwork, but his early years in Argentina were tough, including personal challenges that almost ruined his dreams of becoming a pro soccer player. In this book by top soccer journalist, commentator, and lifelong fan Luis Miguel Echegaray, learn how Messi overcame these setbacks and went on to become one of the most successful, celebrated, and decorated soccer players ever.

Following his inspiring journey from Barcelona’s youth academy to World Cup triumph with Argentina and then to MLS club Inter Miami, Messi Mania is the ultimate one-stop guide to a motivating and inspiring global soccer star.

Also discover Messi’s:

Brilliant breakthroughs – key points in Messi’s young soccer life that helped him rise to prominence
Awesome playing style – from his renowned dribbling, match vision, and strategy to his astonishing goal-scoring abilities
Incredible insights – from coaches, teammates, and experts on what makes him an exceptional and talented player
Impact off the pitch – his charitable work, philanthropy, and business ventures
Valuable takeaways – life lessons that young people can learn from the tenacious, generous, and down-to-earth role model.

No matter where you’re from or what your goals are—be inspired to chase your dreams, just like Leo Messi.

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Excerpt

A game-changing move

Miami, July 2023

It’s another humid, sticky Tuesday in South Florida. The air is thick and heavy as the sun beats down with a vibrancy that’s so distinctive in this part of America. We are in Fort Lauderdale, a city about an hour’s drive north from Miami.

This particular Tuesday, however, is not like any other. As a private jet lands at the airport, it is soon clear that this is a special day – one that will go down in soccer history. In fact, soccer in America would never be the same again.

The doors of the jet open and there he is with his beloved wife and their three sons. His pink shorts – soon to become the color of his official uniform – make him easily noticeable. He walks casually and quietly, trying not to attract attention, as if the entire soccer world is not tracking his every move. He has always been humble, as well as having the ability to silence the noise around him, but the cameras continue to shine the spotlight on him anyway. They all know what we know: this particular arrival at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is an historic one.

Lionel Messi. La Pulga. Recently crowned World Cup champion. The superstar. The greatest.

Messi has arrived in America, in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami (Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami). The club is co-owned by another superstar, and former Manchester United, Real Madrid, England and MLS icon, David Beckham, as well as brothers Jose and Jorge Mas. Jorge was key to bringing Messi to the club and league – it was a three-year project, from idea to completion. Messi’s contract would make him MLS’ highest-paid player, with a league-record salary of $20.4 million a year, as well as lucrative deals with Apple TV and Adidas. A lot of money was involved because everyone knew – from a sporting and a business perspective – that this move was an absolute game changer. But it wasn’t all about the money, as Messi had already reportedly rejected a gigantic offer from Saudi Pro League’s major club, Al Hilal.

Messi hasn’t even made it through airport security, and fans are already waiting outside the club’s stadium (formerly DRV PNK, now known as Chase stadium) with banners, signs and cardboard cutouts of their new hero. Celebrations are in full swing across the city of Miami; a huge billboard on the elevated highway that takes people from Little Havana to South Beach greets Leo in brilliant pink – the team’s colors. Murals appear all over the city, notably in the district of Wynwood, where so much history, art and culture melt into one another. There's a huge tribute to Leo by Argentinian artist, Maximiliano Bagnasco. Elsewhere, a beautiful painting pops up from Venezuelan artist, Arlex Campos, reflecting a blend of Argentina and Inter Miami colors.

A new home

When you walk around the streets of Miami, you can feel its cultural history. Miami is the only major city in America that was founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle, and a city where more than 70% of the residents are Latino and Afro-Latino. Over the years, Miami has welcomed immigrants from all over: African-Americans, Caribbeans, Cubans, Dominicans and, of course, Central and South Americans. Here, Spanish is just as likely to be heard as English – if not more so. Both languages often mix like a symphony.

Miami is Lionel Messi’s new home. A home that is often nicknamed the ‘capital of Latin America’, and a place that is a crucial part of this story. A place where he can truly be himself, and where his wife and kids can still enjoy feeling close to their roots and culture, without being in Argentina. Here, he is alongside his own people.

Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the neighboring regions of South Florida have a distinct Latin American identity. They welcome Messi with open arms because he is one of them – an immigrant, a journeyman, a dreamer, a father, a brother, a son, a husband; a reflection of us all. They follow him everywhere he goes. To a local supermarket, restaurant or even as he walks down the street. It can't be easy for him or his family. This is their reality; he accepts it because he knows how much he means to people.

‘He means EVERYTHING for us,’ says a fan on CBS Miami on the day of his arrival. ‘Not just for Argentinians, but for the rest of the world.’

Yes, the world is watching as Messi attempts to crack America – a place where the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), college sports and many more leagues hog the limelight. How will Messi fit into that crowded sports stratosphere?

A few days after his arrival, and as the frenzy around him continues, a huge welcome presentation at the stadium introduces Messi to Inter Miami fans and the world.

It’s a coronation fit for royalty before a single ball has even been kicked.

The world’s best number 10

On the day of Messi’s welcome presentation, it rained. This is not surprising; it’s Florida, after all. But no one cared about the weather; 20,000 people sat in the open-air stadium and welcomed him as ‘America’s number 10, the world’s best number 10’.Sergio Busquets, his friend and teammate, who won so much with him at Barcelona, was also welcomed to the club.

There were video messages from celebrities Tom Brady, Steph Curry, Alex Morgan, DJ Khaled, J Balvin, Gloria Estefan and others, all welcoming him to America.

Leo was in America, and he was happy. His arrival was a statement for soccer in the U.S. and the world over. In the States, more kids – boys and girls – are picking up a soccer ball, and it’s slowly becoming more accessible for anyone who wants to take part. MLS and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) continue to grow. In 2026, the FIFA men’s World Cup will be hosted in the States, alongside Mexico and Canada.

Soccer is a beautiful game, and it’s for everyone. This is now America’s game, and Lionel Messi is here for it.

Pelé’s soccer boom

The story was similar back in 1975, when the legendary Pelé joined the New York Cosmos. It was a monumental moment in the U.S., as he had moved to the North American Soccer League (NASL) from the Brazilian club, Santos. Pelé arrived in the U.S. five years after winning his third World Cup. He was 34 years old at the time.

‘You can say now to the world that soccer has finally arrived in the United States,’ Pele said to reporters.

What happened next in America was incredible – soccer exploded in popularity. Record-breaking numbers tuned in to witness his journey, including the 1977 Soccer Bowl, which was his last competitive game. Fútbol mania rippled out across the world, as everyone watched with a passion for Pelé.

The Brazilian star sparked a soccer boom, and thanks to his influence, other big players joined the league:

Franz Beckenbauer, World Cup winner for Germany both as a player and manager, and Pelé’s teammate with the Cosmos

The legendary Manchester United star, George Best

Gerd Muller, one of the greatest strikers in history

Johan Cruyff, one of the most talented and influential players, and someone who will be very influential in Messi’s journey.

Despite its eventual demise, NASL’s impact on soccer in America, and particularly the arrival of Pelé, is an important part of American soccer history and has since paved the way for many players to make the same leap.

Equally if not more important was David Beckham’s arrival to MLS in 2007. After winning multiple trophies with Manchester United and Real Madrid, as well as representing England at the highest levels, Beckham came to LA Galaxy. And once again, American soccer was catapulted to new heights. Part of Beckham’s deal included an option to purchase a club in the future and – guess what? – Beckham would end up part-owner of Inter Miami, laying the foundations for Messi’s arrival years later.

Like Pelé, Beckham’s name helped millions of people tune in to soccer, and thousands showed up to support games in MLS. His ‘23’ kit was sold everywhere and, because he was in Los Angeles, Hollywood glamour surrounded him wherever he went.

Today MLS continues to expand; San Diego Football Club will become the 30th MLS club when it kicks off in 2025. Soccer is evolving into something special; not just a popular sport in America, but a sport that could one day rival the numbers seen at the NBA, college sports, and even the NFL. Lionel Messi is now part of this story.

Soon, the euphoria felt by Inter Miami fans upon his arrival will reach new heights when Messi steps on to the pitch for the first time as one of their players.

The party has only just begun.

[Box out]

Messi and Miami: A Latin American underdog love story

As we dive deeper into Lionel Messi’s story and learn more about his life – from childhood to superstardom – I want to end this first chapter by highlighting a significant message of this book: Messi’s story is different from other superstar male players.

Messi, in many ways, represents the American dream, especially for immigrants and young Latin Americans. A kid from Argentina who leaves his home for Europe, winning everything in sight, and eventually lands in the United States at a time when kids from all kinds of backgrounds are looking for hope and opportunities.

Messi – the name itself – is a symbol of tenacity. It’s also universal. Anyone can say it, whatever their language. He is nicknamed La Pulga – the flea – because of his almost-superhuman ability to evade, and then energize action on the pitch, all in a split-second. He is a small but powerful bolt of lightning. But, above all, Messi is loved by millions because of his humility. He is not loud or arrogant. He lets his work do the talking. And that’s inspirational.

You can achieve anything you set your mind to, as long as you work for it, as long as you listen and as long as you persevere. Messi’s game-changing move is not just a sign of hope for Inter Miami fans, and for all Americans, it is a celebration for kids all over the world. No matter where you’re from, whatever your dreams, whatever your goals, always know that there’s a little Leo Messi inside you, telling you that it can be done.

[Box ends]

Now, let’s get on with the story. ¡Vamos! [pull out quote]

‘10 years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team. [...] I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to Florida, and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next generation and help build a legacy in this sport. It really is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. Leo, we are so proud you have chosen this club for the next stage of your career. Welcome to the family.’ – David Beckham view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. Why do students think the author describes Leo Messi as an “underdog”?

2. What examples can students provide of some obstacles and personal challenges Messi has had to overcome throughout his career? How did feelings of defeat and disappointment drive Messi forward in his career?

3. Define and provide some examples of the Messi Effect. Using examples from Messi Mania, why do students think Messi’s arrival in Miami has made such a big impact on soccer in America?

4. The author reminds readers that “Nothing is achieved alone.” How do students feel Messi exemplified this statement? And how has Messi proved this statement is true?

5. The author credits the power of focus and mental strength as reasons why Messi is a champion. What are some other lessons from Messi’s career that students think are valuable in life (whether they’re athletes or not)? Examples can include eating healthy, using a “let the ball come to you” philosophy, knowing when to recuperate, and more.

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