What makes a good coach?

Qualities of an Effective Coach
What makes a good coach? Whether you are coaching the little league or a professional team, you will find useful advice in this article.
Being a coach is easy. But being a good coach is another matter entirely. This job requires showing a lot of certain psychological characteristics. If a coach is to succeed, he simply has to show the following traits:
1. Knows the discipline he's coaching
It's trivial, but the coach has to know ins and outs of the discipline – the rules, the history, the tactics etc. Without it they won't be able to do their job properly and will probably quickly lose face when they start making mistakes.
2. Motivates the players

The successful coach is a motivator with a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the game and the players. The ability to motivate and inspire is part of the formula for success. Getting athletes to believe in themselves and achieve come far easier from some coaches than others. The coach who can motivate is able to generate the desire to excel in their athletes. Motivation may mean keeping the practice fun, fresh and challenging. When motivating a player, a good coach stresses trying to reach performance goals, not outcome goals. A coach should make sure that players understand that you can completely control your own effort and training, but can't control what your opponent does or the outcome of every match.
This is probably the single most important trait of a good coach. Without proper motivation, everything comes apart. Remember that a coach will need to lead a team of individuals, everyone with different personal goals. The coach's job is give the players enough motivation to make them start doing things as good as they are able to, and turn their attention from their private matters to the pitch.
3. Talks only when it gets results
A good coach will never speak without a good cause. If they talk too much, they will never actually be listened, so a coach is a person who should talk only when necessary – this will give their words an extra weigh.
4. Is able to listen

The effective coach is a coach who communicates well and exudes credibility, competence, respect and authority. A coach should be able to explain ideas clearly. Clear communication means setting defined goals, giving direct feedback and reinforcing the key messages. Acknowledging success is also essential for good communication through the act of Listening.Part of communicating effectively is listening. A coach should be a compassionate ear and should welcome the players comments, questions and input. The effective coach will seek out information from the players. Finally, the good coach will be flexible and will use player feedback to modify the training plan if necessary.
Being calmer than usual means also that a coach should be a good listener. If they are to become a good coach, they need to become a surrogate father or mother for their team and listening is the single most important trait that can make it possible.
5. Knows their team
Another important matter is knowing one's team. And it is not only about matching their numbers with the names. A good coach knows everything – both about professional and private life of their players. Knowing The Athletes, Being aware of individual differences in athletes is also an important ingredient in coaching excellence. Yelling, screaming, and other emotional displays may work for some athletes but could have a devastating effect on others. Individualizing communication and motivation to specific players is key to team success. Paying attention to the player’s emotions, strengths and weaknesses are the responsibility of a good coach.

6. Knows the Sport

To be able to teach effectively the coach must have in-depth understanding of the sport from the fundamental skills to advanced tactics and strategy. Coaches may have experience playing, but not all former players make good coaches. Coaches must plan for the season, know the progressive nature of training adaptation, know the rules, and provide a simple, structured environment for athletes to succeed.
7. Treats everyone individually
While (or because) a good coach should know everybody and do their best to hold the place together, it is necessary to treat every player individually. Yelling works only on some of them, the same story is with talking seriously. Using the same method to get everyone do what you say will surely end in breaking some of your players to pieces.

8. Seeks Out New Techniquies
While a good coach knows a great deal about a sport (s)he must continue to learn and develop new training techniques. Staying up to date of new research, training and rehab information, attending coaching clinics, camps, and seeking out tips from elite coaches and athletes is a sign of a great coach. Watching videos, reading books, studying periodicals can also be helpful. Attending university classes in sport psychology, nutrition and exercise physiology is a great idea and is readily accessible for any coach who wants to grow and improve.
9. Leads by example
The last, but not least: a good coach do themselves everything he will ask others to do. They always set an example – they are first on the trainings and perform every single exercise they order other to do.

Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimović (born on 3 October 1981) is a Swedish football player of Bosnian and Croatianparentage who plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Swedish national team. As of February 2009, Ibrahimović, along with Kaka, were the highest salaried football players in the world with an annual pay of €9 milli IbrahimoZlatan Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimović Zlatan Ibrahimović (born on 3 October 1981) is a Swedish football player of Bosnian and Croatianparentage who plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Swedish national team. As of February 2009, Ibrahimović, along with Kaká, were the highest salaried football players in the world with an annual pay of €9 mvić won the Capocannoniere on 31 May, 2009 with 25 domestic goals during the season. He currently holds the record for the second highest transfer fee in football history, with a total of €69 million. Ibrahimović was born to a Bosniak father, Šefik, and a Croatian mother, Jurka, who emigrated to Sweden, where they first met. Ibrahimović grew up in Rosengård, a Malmö neighbourhood known for its immigrant communities, along with his three sisters and two brothers. After receiving his football boots, Ibrahimović began playing football at the age of eight, alternating between local junior clubs Malmö BI and FBK Balkan While in his early teens, he was a regular in his hometown club Malmö FF At the age of 15, Ibrahimović was close to quitting his football career, but his manager convinced him to continue playing. Ibrahimović successfully completed junior high school in the ninth grade, and though he was admitted to Borgarskolan, he soon dropped out of high school to focus on his football career. Club career Malmö FF (1996-2001) Ibrahimović signed his first contract with his hometown club Malmö FF in 1996, and moved up to the senior side for the 1999 season of Allsvenskan, Sweden's top-flight league. That season, Malmö finished 13th in the league and were relegated to the second division, but returned to the top flight the next season. Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger unsuccessfully tried to persuade Ibrahimović to join, while AFC Ajax coach Leo Beenhakker also expressed interest in the player after watching him in a training match against Norwegian side Moss FK. On 22 March 2001, a deal between Ajax and Malmö regarding Ibrahimović's transfer to Amsterdam was announced, and in July, Ibrahimović officially joined Ajax for €7.8 million. Ajax (2001-2004) Ibrahimović received little playing time under manager Co Adriaanse, but when Adriaanse was sacked on 29 November 2001, new coach Ronald Koeman inserted Ibrahimović into the starting lineup as Ajax won the 2001-02 Eredivisie title. The next season, Ibrahimović scored twice in a 2-1 victory over perennial French champions Olympique Lyonnais in his Champions League debut on 17 September 2002. He scored four Champions League goals overall as Ajax fell to AC Milan in the quarter-finals. In his final season with Ajax, Ibrahimović's profile rose when he scored a breath-taking goal against NAC Breda on 22 August 2004, a goal that was eventually voted the "Goal of the Year" by Eurosport viewers. He netted only once in the 2003-04 Champions League (against Celta de Vigo on 22 October) as Ajax were eliminated in the group stage. On 18 August 2004, Ibrahimović injured fellow Ajax teammate Rafael van der Vaart during an international match against the Netherlands, which led to accusations from van der Vaart that Ibrahimović had hurt him intentionally. This led to Ibrahimović's sudden sale to Juventus on 31 August. Juventus (2004-2006) Ibrahimović moved from Ajax to Juventus for a €16 million transfer fee. He was promptly inserted into the starting eleven due in part to top scorer David Trezeguet's injury problems, and scored sixteen goals. Near the end of the season, Juventus reportedly rejected a €70 million bid for him from Real Madrid, which was later revealed to be a publicity stunt initiated by Ibrahimović's agent, Mino Raiola, in order to increase his market value. On 14 November 2005, he was awarded the Guldbollen, a prize awarded to the best Swedish footballer of the year. The following season was poor compared to his first season; his role in Juventus' attack changed, as he became less of a goalscorer and moved more to the sidelines, taking much part in the build-up play, especially as a target player, and his assist numbers increased. In the 2005-06 season, Juventus fans often got frustrated with him due to his anonymous presence in certain important games such as the Champions League defeat to Arsenal. Juventus were stripped of their last two Scudetti as part of the verdict from the Calciopoli scandal, and were relegated to Serie B. The new staff tried to persuade Ibrahimović and other top players to stay with Juventus, but the player and his agent were adamant to move on, with Raiola threatening legal action in order to extricate Ibrahimović from his contract.Internazionale (2006-2009) Ibrahimović in a training match for Internazionale. Ibrahimović and Mario Balotelli against Palermo in 2009. Ibrahimović signed a four-year contract with Internazionale on 10 August 2006, a few days after Patrick Vieira completed his transfer. Internazionale paid Juventus for €24.8 million. He revealed that he supported Internazionale when he was young, He started his spell at the club by scoring one goal and assisting another in a league match against Fiorentina and ended his first season as Inter's top goalscorer with 15 goals. Ibrahimović played his 100th Serie A match on 16 September 2007. His contract was renewed in 2007, last until June 2013. He was estimated as the top of footballer wages. He scored two Champions League goals in the group stage against PSV on 2 October, which marked his first European goals since December 2005 and his first goals overall in an Inter jersey, and finished with five goals in seven Champions League matches. Against Parma in the final league matchday on 18 May 2008, he returned from a chronic knee injury and scored both goals as Inter won 2-0, clinching their third straight Scudetto. On 16 November 2008, Ibrahimović said that he would not return to the Allsvenskan of Sweden as an active player, but he would stay the rest of his active career as a player abroad.[citation needed] Ibrahimović's 2008-09 season started brilliantly, hitting the back of the net in Inter's first league match. His goal against Bologna was voted "Goal of the Year". He scored it with his heel without moving and accurately into the net from a cross by the Brazilian Adriano. Ibrahimović's form this season has so far been eye-catching, with clever movement off and on the ball, and his passing has been outstanding, such as his acrobatic pass against Lazio. He ended a month long goal drought against Genoa, handing them their first home loss of the season, making Inter the only team not to lose at home in the league. In the final league game of the season, Ibrahimović scored twice against Atalanta, securing the Capocannoniere for himself by finishing one goal ahead of Marco Di Vaio and Diego Milito.
FC Barcelona (2009-present) Ibrahimović on his first day of individual training for FC Barcelona after his hand surgery. After Maxwell completed his transfer to FC Barcelona, president Joan Laporta confirmed that there was an agreement in principle between Barcelona and Internazionale for Ibrahimović to join the club in exchange for Samuel Eto'o, plus a fee. Ibrahimović left Internazionale from the United States on tour in the World Football Challenge on 23 July 2009 for negotiations with Barcelona, with his last match for Internazionale being against Chelsea. After Internazionale agreed terms with Eto'o and Barcelona with Ibrahimović, Barcelona announced Ibrahimović would arrive on 26 July 2009 and undergo a medical test on 27 July 2009. Ibrahimović passed his medical and was presented to a crowd of over 60,000 at Camp Nou. He signed a 5-year contract, for €46 million ($65 million) and the exchange of Eto'o (valued at €20 million) and loan of Aliaksandr Hleb (with an option to buy for a €10 million fee), with a €250 million release clause, making Ibrahimović worth €66 million ($94 million). Afterwards, Hleb refused the transfer and later loaned out to VfB Stuttgart; therefore, Barcelona added a reported €3 million fee to compensate, making Ibrahimović worth a final total of €69 million ($99 million). He currently earns an annual salary of €9.5 million. Barcelona announced Ibrahimović successfully underwent surgery on his fractured left hand's second metacarpal on 28 July 2009. He returned to full training on 12 August 2009 for Barcelona.2009-2010 season Ibrahimović made his competitive debut for FC Barcelona on 23 August 2009 by tallying an assist for teammate Lionel Messi, leading them to win the 2009 Spanish Super Cup. In his second competitive match, Ibrahimović helped his team win the 2009 UEFA Super Cup. In his third competitive match for the Catalan outfit, Ibrahimović scored his first goal in his debut match in La Liga against Sporting Gijon with a diving header from a deflected cross, giving Barcelona a 3-0 win to the start of the season.
International career Playing for Sweden. Even though he was eligible to play for Bosnia and Croatia he chose to play for Sweden, his country of birth. Ibrahimović debuted for Sweden in a goalless friendly match against the Faroe Islands on 31 January 2001.[citation needed] His first competitive match was a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on 7 October. Ibrahimović was part of Sweden's 2002 World Cup finals squad who were eliminated in the round of 16 by newcomers Senegal.Ibrahimović was a fixture in the starting lineup for Euro 2004, scoring a penalty against Brulgaria and rounding off a fine performance against the solid defense of Italy by scoring a late equaliser. However, he missed a penalty as Sweden were sent home following a shootout loss to the Netrherlands. He went scoreless during the 2006 World Cup finals as Sweden were again snuffed out in the round of 16, this time by Germany.He was called up for a Euro 2008 qualifier against Liechtenstein on 6 September 2006, but two days before the match, he violated team curfew by leaving the hotel with teammates Christian Wilhelm son and Olof Mellberg and visiting a nightclub. Though none of the players consumed any alcohol, they were nonetheless all sent home by coach Lars Lager back as punishment and did not take part in the match. Mellberg and Wilhelm son did not appeal the coach's decision, but Ibrahimović felt that it was unjust and therefore refused to take part in Sweden's next qualifiers against Icelarnd and Spain. He also skipped a friendly against Egypt on 7 February 2007, but ended his self-imposed boycott a month later and returned for Sweden's loss to Northern Ireland on 28 March. He did not score in any of the 12 qualifying matches; his one goal was disallowed for offside in a 3-0 loss to Spain on 17 November. On 12 November 2007, Ibrahimović was awarded the 2007 Swedish Golden Ball as the "Country's Top Player of the Year. Ibrahimović ended his international goal drought, which had lasted for over two years, against Greece in Sweden's Euro 2008 opener on 10 June 2008, and the next match against four days later. He finished the tournament with two goals as Sweden were eliminated in the group stage by

messi

Lionel Andrés Messi (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi]; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Messi is considered to be one of the best football players of his generation,[3][4][5] having received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21.[6][7][8] His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor".[9][10]
Messi began playing football at a young age and his potential was quickly identified by FC Barcelona. He left Rosario-based Newell's Old Boys's youth team in 2000 and moved with his family to Europe, as Barcelona offered treatment for his growth hormone deficiency. Making his debut in the 2004–05 season, he broke the La Liga record for the youngest footballer to play a league game, and also the youngest to score a league goal. Major honours soon followed as Barcelona won La Liga in Messi's debut season, and won a double of the league and UEFA Champions League in 2006. His breakthrough season was in 2006–07: he became a first team regular, scoring a hat-trick in El Clásico and finishing with 14 goals in 26 league games. Perhaps his most successful season was the 2008–09 season, in which Messi scored 38 goals to play an integral part in a treble winning campaign.
Messi was the top scorer with six goals, including two in the final game of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. Shortly thereafter, he became an established member of Argentina's senior international team. In 2006 he became the youngest Argentine to play in the FIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa América tournament the following year. In Beijing in 2008 he won his first senior international honour, an Olympic gold medal, with the Argentina Olympic football team.
Contents[hide]
1 Early life
2 FC Barcelona
2.1 2005–06 season
2.2 2006–07 season
2.3 2007–08 season
2.4 2008–09 season
2.5 2009–10 season
3 International career
3.1 FIFA World Cup 2006
3.2 Copa América 2007
3.3 2008 Summer Olympics
4 Personal life
5 Club statistics
5.1 International goals
6 Honours
6.1 Club
6.1.1 Barcelona
6.2 National team
6.3 Individual
7 Notes
8 References
9 External links
//

[edit] Early life
Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, to parents Jorge Messi, a factory worker, and Celia (née Cuccitini), a part-time cleaner.[11][12] His paternal family originates from the Italian city of Ancona where his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883.[13][14] He has two older brothers named Rodrigo and Matías as well as a sister named Maria Sol.[15] At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge.[16] In 1995, Messi switched to Newell's Old Boys who were based in his home city Rosario.[16] At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.[17] Primera División club River Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but did not have enough money to pay for the treatment, as it cost $900 a month.[12] Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, had been made aware of his talent as Messi had relatives in Catalonia, and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial.[12] FC Barcelona signed him after watching him play,[18] offering to pay for the medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain.[16] His family moved to Europe and he started in the club's youth teams.[18]

[edit] FC Barcelona
Messi made his unofficial debut for the first team in a friendly match against F.C. Porto on 16 November 2003 (at 16 years and 145 days).[19][20] Less than a year later, he made his league debut against RCD Espanyol on 16 October 2004 (at 17 years and 114 days), becoming the third-youngest player ever to play for Barcelona and youngest club player who played in La Liga (a record broken by team mate Bojan Krkić in September 2007).[1][19] When he scored his first senior goal for the club against Albacete Balompié on 1 May 2005, Messi was 17 years, 10 months and 7 days old, becoming the youngest to ever score in a La Liga game for Barcelona[21] until 2007 when Bojan Krkić broke this record, scoring from a Messi assist.[22]

[edit] 2005–06 season
"Messi I think is like me, he is the best in the world along with Ronaldinho."
—Diego Maradona.[23]
On 16 September, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced an update to Messi's contract – this time improved to pay him as a first team member and extended until June 2014.[16] Messi obtained Spanish citizenship on 26 September[24] and was finally able to make his debut in the season's Spanish First Division. Messi's first home outing in the UEFA Champions League came on 27 September against Italian club Udinese.[19] Fans at Barcelona's stadium, the Camp Nou, gave Messi a standing ovation upon his substitution, as his composure on the ball and passing combinations with Ronaldinho had paid dividends for Barcelona.[25]
Messi netted six goals in seventeen league appearances, and scored one Champions League goal in six. His season ended prematurely on 7 March 2006, however, when he suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during the second leg of the second round Champions League tie against Chelsea.[26] Barcelona ended the season as champions of Spain and Europe.[27][28]

[edit] 2006–07 season

Messi in a match against Rangers in 2007
In the 2006–07 season, Messi established himself as a regular first team player, scoring 14 times in 26 matches.[29] On 12 November, in the game against Real Zaragoza, Messi suffered a broken metatarsal, ruling him out for three months.[30][31] Messi recuperated from his injury in Argentina, and his return to action came against Racing Santander on 11 February,[32] where he came on as a second-half substitute. On 11 March, El Clásico saw Messi in top form, scoring a hat-trick to earn 10-man Barcelona a 3–3 draw, equalising three times, with the final equaliser coming in injury time.[33] In doing so he became the first player since Iván Zamorano (for Real Madrid in the 1994–95 season) to score a hat-trick in El Clásico.[34] Messi is also the youngest player ever to have scored in this fixture (scheduled match). Towards the end of the season he began finding the net more often; 11 of his 14 league goals for the season came from the last 13 games.[35]

Messi shortly before scoring a goal against Getafe
Messi also proved the "new Maradona" tag was not all hype, by near-replicating Maradona's most famous goals in the space of the single season.[36] On 18 April 2007, he scored two goals during a Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe, one of which was very similar to Maradona's famous goal against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, known as the Goal of the Century.[37] The world's sports press drew comparisons with Maradona, and the Spanish press labelled Messi as "Messidona".[38] He ran about the same distance, 62 metres (200 ft), beat the same number of players (six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a very similar position, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years before.[36] In a press conference after the game, Messi's team-mate Deco said: "It was the best goal I have ever seen in my life."[39] Against Espanyol Messi also scored a goal which was remarkably similar to Maradona's goal against England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Messi launched himself at the ball and connected with his hand to guide the ball past the goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.[40] Despite protests by Espanyol players the goal was allowed despite replays showing it was clear handball (use of the hand, illegal in football).[40]

[edit] 2007–08 season

Messi takes Barça to 2-0 against Sevilla at Camp Nou on 22 September 2007
During the 2007–08 season, Messi scored five goals in a week leading Barcelona to the top four in La Liga. On 19 September he scored once as Barcelona defeated Olympique Lyonnais 3–0 at home in a Champions League match.[41] He scored two goals against FC Sevilla on 22 September[42] and then on 26 September, Messi scored another two goals in a 4–1 victory over Real Zaragoza.[43] On 27 February, Messi played in his 100th official match for Barça against Valencia.[44]
He was nominated for a FIFPro World XI Player Award under the category of Forward.[45] A poll conducted in the online edition of the Spanish newspaper Marca had him as the best player in the world with 77 percent of the vote.[46] Columnists from Barcelona-based newspapers El Mundo Deportivo and Sport stated that the Ballon d'Or should be given to Messi, a view supported by Franz Beckenbauer.[47] Football personalities such as Francesco Totti have declared that they consider Messi to be one of the current best footballers in the world.[48]
Messi was sidelined for six weeks following an injury on 4 March when he suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh during a Champions League match against Celtic. It was the fourth time in three seasons that Messi suffered this type of injury.[49]

[edit] 2008–09 season

Messi in a match against Deportivo
Upon Ronaldinho's departure from the club, Messi inherited his number 10 jersey.[50] On 1 October 2008, during a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Messi scored two goals during the last seven minutes, after coming on as a substitute for Thierry Henry, to turn the score from 1–0 to a 1–2 victory for Barcelona.[51] The next league game was versus Atlético Madrid, a match billed as a friendly battle between Messi and his good friend Sergio Agüero.[52] Messi scored a goal from a free kick and assisted another as Barça went on to win the match 6–1.[53] Messi netted another impressive brace against Sevilla scoring a volley from 23 metres (25 yd) and then dribbling round the goalkeeper and scoring from a tight angle for the other.[54] On 13 December 2008, during the first Clásico of the season, Messi scored the second goal in Barcelona's 2–0 win over Real Madrid.[55] He was also named second in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year awards with 678 points.[7]
Messi scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a Copa del Rey tie against Atlético Madrid which Barcelona won 3–1.[56] Messi scored another important double on 1 February 2009, coming on as a second half substitute to help Barcelona defeat Racing de Santander 1–2 after being 1–0 down. The second of the two strikes was Barcelona's 5000th league goal.[57] In the 28th round of La Liga, Messi scored his 30th goal of the season in all competitions, helping his team to a 6–0 victory over Málaga CF in the process.[58] On 8 April 2009, he scored twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions' League, setting a personal record of nine goals in the competition.[59] On 18 April, Messi notched his 20th league goal of the season in a 1–0 win at Getafe, allowing Barcelona to maintain their six point advantage at the top of the league table over Real Madrid.[60]

Michael Carrick (background) watches as Lionel Messi shoots in 2009 UEFA Champions League Final
As Barcelona's season was drawing to a close, Messi scored twice (his 35th and 36th goals in all competitions) to cap a 6–2 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu[61] in what was Real's heaviest defeat since 1930.[62] After scoring each goal, he ran towards the fans and the cameras lifting up his Barcelona jersey and showing another T-shirt that read Síndrome X Fràgil, Catalan for Fragile X Syndrome, to show his support for children who suffer from the affliction.[63] Messi was involved in the build-up to Andrés Iniesta's injury time goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final to send Barcelona through to face Manchester United in the final. He won his first Copa del Rey on 13 May, scoring one goal and assisting another two, in a 4–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.[64] He helped his team win the double by winning La Liga. On 27 May he helped Barcelona win the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final by scoring a second goal in the 70th minute giving Barcelona a two goal lead; he also became the top scorer in the Champions League with nine goals.[65] Messi also won the UEFA Club Forward of the Year: and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year rounding off a spectacular year in Europe.[66] This victory meant Barcelona had won the Copa del Rey, La Liga and UEFA Champions League in the one season,[67] and was the first time a Spanish club had ever won the treble.[68]

[edit] 2009–10 season
A new contract still under negotiation between Messi and Barcelona sets his transfer fee at €300 million (US$ 426 million) and his annual salary at €10 million (US$14 million), this salary would be €500,000 higher than Zlatan Ibrahimović's annual salary.[69][70] The Brazilian newspaper O Globo noted that Messi's transfer fee is enough to buy the entire first team of the Brazilian national football team.[71] After winning the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola asserted that Messi was probably the best player he had ever seen.[72]

[edit] International career
In June 2004, he debuted for Argentina, playing in an under-20 friendly match against Paraguay.[73] In 2005 he was part of a team that won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. There, he won the Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe.[74]
He made his debut on 17 August 2005 against Hungary at 18 years of age. He was substituted on during the 63rd minute, but was sent off on the 65th minute because the referee, Markus Merk, found he had elbowed defender Vilmos Vanczák, who was tugging Messi's shirt. The decision was contentious and Maradona even claimed the decision was pre-meditated.[75][76] Messi returned to the team on 3 September in Argentina's 1–0 World Cup qualifier away defeat to Paraguay. Ahead of the match he had said "This is a re-debut. The first one was a bit short."[77] He then started his first game for Argentina against Peru; after the match Pekerman described Messi as "a jewel".[78]
On 28 March 2009, in a World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela, Messi wore the Argentine number 10 jersey for the first time. This match was the first official match for Diego Maradona as the Argentina coach. Argentina won the match 4–0 with Lionel Messi opening the scoring.[79]

[edit] FIFA World Cup 2006

Messi in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
The injury that kept him from playing for two months at the end of the 2005–06 season jeopardised his presence in the World Cup. Nevertheless, Messi was selected in the Argentina squad for the tournament on 15 May 2006. He also played in the final match before the World Cup against the Argentine U-20 team for 15 minutes and a friendly match against Angola from the 64th minute.[80][81] He witnessed Argentina's opening match victory against Ivory Coast from the substitute's bench.[82] In the next match against Serbia, Messi became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for Maxi Rodríguez in the 74th minute. He assisted Hernán Crespo's goal within minutes of entering the game and also scored the final goal in the 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup.[83] Messi started in Argentina's following 0–0 tie against the Netherlands.[84] In the following game against Mexico, Messi came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared to score a goal, but it was ruled offside[85][86] with Argentina needing a late goal in extra time to proceed. Coach José Pekerman left Messi on the bench during the quarter-final match against Germany, which they lost 4–2 on a penalty shootout.[87]

[edit] Copa América 2007

Messi at the Copa América 2007
He played his first game in the Copa América 2007 on 29 June 2007, when Argentina defeated United States 4–1 in the first game. In this game, Messi showed his capabilities as a playmaker. He set up a goal for fellow striker Hernán Crespo and had numerous shots on target. Tevez came on as a substitute for Messi in the 79th minute and scored minutes later.[88]
His second game was against Colombia, in which he won a penalty that Crespo converted to tie the game at 1–1. He also played a part in Argentina's second goal as he was fouled outside the box, which allowed Juan Roman Riquelme to score from a freekick, and increase Argentina's lead to 3–1. The final score of the game was 4–2 in Argentina's favor and guaranteed them a spot in the tournament's quarterfinals.[89]
In the third game, against Paraguay the coach rested Messi having already qualified for the quarter-finals. He came off the bench in place of Esteban Cambiasso in the 64th minute, with the score at 0–0. In the 79th minute he created a goal for Javier Mascherano.[90] In the quarter-finals, as Argentina faced Peru, Messi scored the second goal of the game, from a Riquelme pass in a 4–0 win.[91] During the semi-final match against Mexico, Messi scored a lob over Oswaldo Sánchez to see Argentina through to the final with a 3–0 win.[92] Argentina went on to lose 3–0 to Brazil in the final.[93]

Messi in the game against Brazil in the 2008 Olympics

[edit] 2008 Summer Olympics
Having barred Messi from playing for his country in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing,[94] Barcelona agreed to release him after he held talks with Josep Guardiola.[95] He joined the Argentina squad and scored the first goal in a 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast.[95] He then scored the opening goal and assisted Ángel Di María in the second to help his side to a 2–1 extra-time win against the Netherlands.[96] He also featured in Argentina's match against rivals Brazil, in which Argentina took a 3–0 victory, thus advancing to the final.[97] In the gold medal match, Messi again assisted Di María for the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Nigeria.[98]

[edit] Personal life
Messi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos, a young Argentine from his hometown of Rosario. He is said to have been introduced to her by the girl's father when he returned to Rosario to recover from his injury a few days before the start of the 2006 World Cup.[99][100] He has in the past also been linked to the Argentine model, Luciana Salazar.[101][102] In January 2009 he told "Hat Trick Barça", a programme on Canal 33: "I have a girlfriend and she is living in Argentina, I am relaxed and happy".[102] He was seen with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo,[103] at a carnival in Sitges after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Roccuzzo is a fellow native of Rosario.[104] They plan to wed near the end of 2010.[103]
He is featured on the front cover of the video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and is also involved in promotional campaigns for the game.[105][106] Messi, along with Fernando Torres,[107] is the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, and was also involved in the motion capturing and the trailer.[108][109][110] Messi is sponsored by the German sportswear company Adidas and features in their television advertisements.[111

messi

Lionel Andrés Messi (Spanish pronunciation: [ljoˈnel anˈdɾes ˈmesi]; born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine footballer who currently plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Messi is considered to be one of the best football players of his generation,[3][4][5] having received several Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21.[6][7][8] His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his "successor".[9][10]
Messi began playing football at a young age and his potential was quickly identified by FC Barcelona. He left Rosario-based Newell's Old Boys's youth team in 2000 and moved with his family to Europe, as Barcelona offered treatment for his growth hormone deficiency. Making his debut in the 2004–05 season, he broke the La Liga record for the youngest footballer to play a league game, and also the youngest to score a league goal. Major honours soon followed as Barcelona won La Liga in Messi's debut season, and won a double of the league and UEFA Champions League in 2006. His breakthrough season was in 2006–07: he became a first team regular, scoring a hat-trick in El Clásico and finishing with 14 goals in 26 league games. Perhaps his most successful season was the 2008–09 season, in which Messi scored 38 goals to play an integral part in a treble winning campaign.
Messi was the top scorer with six goals, including two in the final game of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. Shortly thereafter, he became an established member of Argentina's senior international team. In 2006 he became the youngest Argentine to play in the FIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa América tournament the following year. In Beijing in 2008 he won his first senior international honour, an Olympic gold medal, with the Argentina Olympic football team.
Contents[hide]
1 Early life
2 FC Barcelona
2.1 2005–06 season
2.2 2006–07 season
2.3 2007–08 season
2.4 2008–09 season
2.5 2009–10 season
3 International career
3.1 FIFA World Cup 2006
3.2 Copa América 2007
3.3 2008 Summer Olympics
4 Personal life
5 Club statistics
5.1 International goals
6 Honours
6.1 Club
6.1.1 Barcelona
6.2 National team
6.3 Individual
7 Notes
8 References
9 External links
//

[edit] Early life
Messi was born on 24 June 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, to parents Jorge Messi, a factory worker, and Celia (née Cuccitini), a part-time cleaner.[11][12] His paternal family originates from the Italian city of Ancona where his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883.[13][14] He has two older brothers named Rodrigo and Matías as well as a sister named Maria Sol.[15] At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge.[16] In 1995, Messi switched to Newell's Old Boys who were based in his home city Rosario.[16] At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency.[17] Primera División club River Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but did not have enough money to pay for the treatment, as it cost $900 a month.[12] Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, had been made aware of his talent as Messi had relatives in Catalonia, and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial.[12] FC Barcelona signed him after watching him play,[18] offering to pay for the medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain.[16] His family moved to Europe and he started in the club's youth teams.[18]

[edit] FC Barcelona
Messi made his unofficial debut for the first team in a friendly match against F.C. Porto on 16 November 2003 (at 16 years and 145 days).[19][20] Less than a year later, he made his league debut against RCD Espanyol on 16 October 2004 (at 17 years and 114 days), becoming the third-youngest player ever to play for Barcelona and youngest club player who played in La Liga (a record broken by team mate Bojan Krkić in September 2007).[1][19] When he scored his first senior goal for the club against Albacete Balompié on 1 May 2005, Messi was 17 years, 10 months and 7 days old, becoming the youngest to ever score in a La Liga game for Barcelona[21] until 2007 when Bojan Krkić broke this record, scoring from a Messi assist.[22]

[edit] 2005–06 season
"Messi I think is like me, he is the best in the world along with Ronaldinho."
—Diego Maradona.[23]
On 16 September, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced an update to Messi's contract – this time improved to pay him as a first team member and extended until June 2014.[16] Messi obtained Spanish citizenship on 26 September[24] and was finally able to make his debut in the season's Spanish First Division. Messi's first home outing in the UEFA Champions League came on 27 September against Italian club Udinese.[19] Fans at Barcelona's stadium, the Camp Nou, gave Messi a standing ovation upon his substitution, as his composure on the ball and passing combinations with Ronaldinho had paid dividends for Barcelona.[25]
Messi netted six goals in seventeen league appearances, and scored one Champions League goal in six. His season ended prematurely on 7 March 2006, however, when he suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during the second leg of the second round Champions League tie against Chelsea.[26] Barcelona ended the season as champions of Spain and Europe.[27][28]

[edit] 2006–07 season

Messi in a match against Rangers in 2007
In the 2006–07 season, Messi established himself as a regular first team player, scoring 14 times in 26 matches.[29] On 12 November, in the game against Real Zaragoza, Messi suffered a broken metatarsal, ruling him out for three months.[30][31] Messi recuperated from his injury in Argentina, and his return to action came against Racing Santander on 11 February,[32] where he came on as a second-half substitute. On 11 March, El Clásico saw Messi in top form, scoring a hat-trick to earn 10-man Barcelona a 3–3 draw, equalising three times, with the final equaliser coming in injury time.[33] In doing so he became the first player since Iván Zamorano (for Real Madrid in the 1994–95 season) to score a hat-trick in El Clásico.[34] Messi is also the youngest player ever to have scored in this fixture (scheduled match). Towards the end of the season he began finding the net more often; 11 of his 14 league goals for the season came from the last 13 games.[35]

Messi shortly before scoring a goal against Getafe
Messi also proved the "new Maradona" tag was not all hype, by near-replicating Maradona's most famous goals in the space of the single season.[36] On 18 April 2007, he scored two goals during a Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe, one of which was very similar to Maradona's famous goal against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, known as the Goal of the Century.[37] The world's sports press drew comparisons with Maradona, and the Spanish press labelled Messi as "Messidona".[38] He ran about the same distance, 62 metres (200 ft), beat the same number of players (six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a very similar position, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years before.[36] In a press conference after the game, Messi's team-mate Deco said: "It was the best goal I have ever seen in my life."[39] Against Espanyol Messi also scored a goal which was remarkably similar to Maradona's goal against England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Messi launched himself at the ball and connected with his hand to guide the ball past the goalkeeper Carlos Kameni.[40] Despite protests by Espanyol players the goal was allowed despite replays showing it was clear handball (use of the hand, illegal in football).[40]

[edit] 2007–08 season

Messi takes Barça to 2-0 against Sevilla at Camp Nou on 22 September 2007
During the 2007–08 season, Messi scored five goals in a week leading Barcelona to the top four in La Liga. On 19 September he scored once as Barcelona defeated Olympique Lyonnais 3–0 at home in a Champions League match.[41] He scored two goals against FC Sevilla on 22 September[42] and then on 26 September, Messi scored another two goals in a 4–1 victory over Real Zaragoza.[43] On 27 February, Messi played in his 100th official match for Barça against Valencia.[44]
He was nominated for a FIFPro World XI Player Award under the category of Forward.[45] A poll conducted in the online edition of the Spanish newspaper Marca had him as the best player in the world with 77 percent of the vote.[46] Columnists from Barcelona-based newspapers El Mundo Deportivo and Sport stated that the Ballon d'Or should be given to Messi, a view supported by Franz Beckenbauer.[47] Football personalities such as Francesco Totti have declared that they consider Messi to be one of the current best footballers in the world.[48]
Messi was sidelined for six weeks following an injury on 4 March when he suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh during a Champions League match against Celtic. It was the fourth time in three seasons that Messi suffered this type of injury.[49]

[edit] 2008–09 season

Messi in a match against Deportivo
Upon Ronaldinho's departure from the club, Messi inherited his number 10 jersey.[50] On 1 October 2008, during a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Messi scored two goals during the last seven minutes, after coming on as a substitute for Thierry Henry, to turn the score from 1–0 to a 1–2 victory for Barcelona.[51] The next league game was versus Atlético Madrid, a match billed as a friendly battle between Messi and his good friend Sergio Agüero.[52] Messi scored a goal from a free kick and assisted another as Barça went on to win the match 6–1.[53] Messi netted another impressive brace against Sevilla scoring a volley from 23 metres (25 yd) and then dribbling round the goalkeeper and scoring from a tight angle for the other.[54] On 13 December 2008, during the first Clásico of the season, Messi scored the second goal in Barcelona's 2–0 win over Real Madrid.[55] He was also named second in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year awards with 678 points.[7]
Messi scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a Copa del Rey tie against Atlético Madrid which Barcelona won 3–1.[56] Messi scored another important double on 1 February 2009, coming on as a second half substitute to help Barcelona defeat Racing de Santander 1–2 after being 1–0 down. The second of the two strikes was Barcelona's 5000th league goal.[57] In the 28th round of La Liga, Messi scored his 30th goal of the season in all competitions, helping his team to a 6–0 victory over Málaga CF in the process.[58] On 8 April 2009, he scored twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions' League, setting a personal record of nine goals in the competition.[59] On 18 April, Messi notched his 20th league goal of the season in a 1–0 win at Getafe, allowing Barcelona to maintain their six point advantage at the top of the league table over Real Madrid.[60]

Michael Carrick (background) watches as Lionel Messi shoots in 2009 UEFA Champions League Final
As Barcelona's season was drawing to a close, Messi scored twice (his 35th and 36th goals in all competitions) to cap a 6–2 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu[61] in what was Real's heaviest defeat since 1930.[62] After scoring each goal, he ran towards the fans and the cameras lifting up his Barcelona jersey and showing another T-shirt that read Síndrome X Fràgil, Catalan for Fragile X Syndrome, to show his support for children who suffer from the affliction.[63] Messi was involved in the build-up to Andrés Iniesta's injury time goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final to send Barcelona through to face Manchester United in the final. He won his first Copa del Rey on 13 May, scoring one goal and assisting another two, in a 4–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.[64] He helped his team win the double by winning La Liga. On 27 May he helped Barcelona win the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final by scoring a second goal in the 70th minute giving Barcelona a two goal lead; he also became the top scorer in the Champions League with nine goals.[65] Messi also won the UEFA Club Forward of the Year: and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year rounding off a spectacular year in Europe.[66] This victory meant Barcelona had won the Copa del Rey, La Liga and UEFA Champions League in the one season,[67] and was the first time a Spanish club had ever won the treble.[68]

[edit] 2009–10 season
A new contract still under negotiation between Messi and Barcelona sets his transfer fee at €300 million (US$ 426 million) and his annual salary at €10 million (US$14 million), this salary would be €500,000 higher than Zlatan Ibrahimović's annual salary.[69][70] The Brazilian newspaper O Globo noted that Messi's transfer fee is enough to buy the entire first team of the Brazilian national football team.[71] After winning the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola asserted that Messi was probably the best player he had ever seen.[72]

[edit] International career
In June 2004, he debuted for Argentina, playing in an under-20 friendly match against Paraguay.[73] In 2005 he was part of a team that won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. There, he won the Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe.[74]
He made his debut on 17 August 2005 against Hungary at 18 years of age. He was substituted on during the 63rd minute, but was sent off on the 65th minute because the referee, Markus Merk, found he had elbowed defender Vilmos Vanczák, who was tugging Messi's shirt. The decision was contentious and Maradona even claimed the decision was pre-meditated.[75][76] Messi returned to the team on 3 September in Argentina's 1–0 World Cup qualifier away defeat to Paraguay. Ahead of the match he had said "This is a re-debut. The first one was a bit short."[77] He then started his first game for Argentina against Peru; after the match Pekerman described Messi as "a jewel".[78]
On 28 March 2009, in a World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela, Messi wore the Argentine number 10 jersey for the first time. This match was the first official match for Diego Maradona as the Argentina coach. Argentina won the match 4–0 with Lionel Messi opening the scoring.[79]

[edit] FIFA World Cup 2006

Messi in the 2006 FIFA World Cup
The injury that kept him from playing for two months at the end of the 2005–06 season jeopardised his presence in the World Cup. Nevertheless, Messi was selected in the Argentina squad for the tournament on 15 May 2006. He also played in the final match before the World Cup against the Argentine U-20 team for 15 minutes and a friendly match against Angola from the 64th minute.[80][81] He witnessed Argentina's opening match victory against Ivory Coast from the substitute's bench.[82] In the next match against Serbia, Messi became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for Maxi Rodríguez in the 74th minute. He assisted Hernán Crespo's goal within minutes of entering the game and also scored the final goal in the 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup.[83] Messi started in Argentina's following 0–0 tie against the Netherlands.[84] In the following game against Mexico, Messi came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared to score a goal, but it was ruled offside[85][86] with Argentina needing a late goal in extra time to proceed. Coach José Pekerman left Messi on the bench during the quarter-final match against Germany, which they lost 4–2 on a penalty shootout.[87]

[edit] Copa América 2007

Messi at the Copa América 2007
He played his first game in the Copa América 2007 on 29 June 2007, when Argentina defeated United States 4–1 in the first game. In this game, Messi showed his capabilities as a playmaker. He set up a goal for fellow striker Hernán Crespo and had numerous shots on target. Tevez came on as a substitute for Messi in the 79th minute and scored minutes later.[88]
His second game was against Colombia, in which he won a penalty that Crespo converted to tie the game at 1–1. He also played a part in Argentina's second goal as he was fouled outside the box, which allowed Juan Roman Riquelme to score from a freekick, and increase Argentina's lead to 3–1. The final score of the game was 4–2 in Argentina's favor and guaranteed them a spot in the tournament's quarterfinals.[89]
In the third game, against Paraguay the coach rested Messi having already qualified for the quarter-finals. He came off the bench in place of Esteban Cambiasso in the 64th minute, with the score at 0–0. In the 79th minute he created a goal for Javier Mascherano.[90] In the quarter-finals, as Argentina faced Peru, Messi scored the second goal of the game, from a Riquelme pass in a 4–0 win.[91] During the semi-final match against Mexico, Messi scored a lob over Oswaldo Sánchez to see Argentina through to the final with a 3–0 win.[92] Argentina went on to lose 3–0 to Brazil in the final.[93]

Messi in the game against Brazil in the 2008 Olympics

[edit] 2008 Summer Olympics
Having barred Messi from playing for his country in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing,[94] Barcelona agreed to release him after he held talks with Josep Guardiola.[95] He joined the Argentina squad and scored the first goal in a 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast.[95] He then scored the opening goal and assisted Ángel Di María in the second to help his side to a 2–1 extra-time win against the Netherlands.[96] He also featured in Argentina's match against rivals Brazil, in which Argentina took a 3–0 victory, thus advancing to the final.[97] In the gold medal match, Messi again assisted Di María for the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Nigeria.[98]

[edit] Personal life
Messi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos, a young Argentine from his hometown of Rosario. He is said to have been introduced to her by the girl's father when he returned to Rosario to recover from his injury a few days before the start of the 2006 World Cup.[99][100] He has in the past also been linked to the Argentine model, Luciana Salazar.[101][102] In January 2009 he told "Hat Trick Barça", a programme on Canal 33: "I have a girlfriend and she is living in Argentina, I am relaxed and happy".[102] He was seen with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo,[103] at a carnival in Sitges after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Roccuzzo is a fellow native of Rosario.[104] They plan to wed near the end of 2010.[103]
He is featured on the front cover of the video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and is also involved in promotional campaigns for the game.[105][106] Messi, along with Fernando Torres,[107] is the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, and was also involved in the motion capturing and the trailer.[108][109][110] Messi is sponsored by the German sportswear company Adidas and features in their television advertisements.[111