His first contract was signed on a napkin. Barcelona's sporting director Carles Rexach took one look at Messi and knew he had something special. He was so keen on signing Messi, in fact, that even though he didn't have paper he knew he needed to get his signature right then and there before anyone else got to him. We're going to go ahead and say that was a good call.He shares the record for most international goals scored in a calendar year.
The buyout clause in his Barcelona contract is for a staggering €250 million.
He is already tied for the second-most goals in the history of the Argentina national team (35 in 82 appearances).
He is the first player in history to score in consecutive matches against every team in his league.
He holds the world record for consecutive league matches with a goal (21).
He scored his own "Hand of God" goal in 2006-07 vs. Espanyol.
At 17 years and 114 days, he was the youngest player ever to appear in a La Liga game.
He is the only player in history to win the Ballon d'Or four times.
Between his contract and endorsements, he makes about $128,000 per day.
He refuses to watch video highlights of himself.
He is small partly because of a growth hormone deficiency discovered when he was 11
