Messi

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Lionel Messi (梅西) 88
Alias(es)	Leo; “Little Flea” 88 259
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Argentina national team; formerly Barcelona; Chelsea 493 680 760
Occupation/Role	Professional footballer; Argentina captain and Chelsea’s attacking focal point 493 760
Status	Active 760
First Appearance	Chapter 7 (mentioned); Chapter 88 (first in-person appearance) 7 88

Background / History

Messi developed at Barcelona’s La Masia academy. During an early serious injury, coach Vilanova continued to trust him and provide playing opportunities despite objections, helping the physically frail but gifted youngster establish himself. He later won the Ballon d’Or for four consecutive years from 2009 to 2012. 88 155

A proposed Chelsea transfer once threatened to end his first Barcelona spell: Chelsea were prepared to trigger a €250 million release clause and offer a £50 million annual salary. Messi ultimately renewed with Barcelona after Vilanova, his early mentor, personally persuaded him to remain; his father Jorge also opposed the move. 155

As Argentina’s captain, Messi led his country against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup final at Maracanã. He created Argentina’s equalizer by setting up Sergio Agüero, but Brazil ultimately won 3–2, giving Messi a defining defeat against Chen Anno. 262 760

Messi’s later Barcelona years became strained by conflicts with head coach Henrique, dissatisfaction with the club’s management, and Barcelona’s financial problems. He suspended renewal negotiations, then formally chose to leave and instructed Jorge to submit a transfer request. 532 533 600 655

Chelsea signed Messi after his Barcelona departure. Wearing the number 10, he rapidly became the core of Chelsea’s attack and renewed his direct rivalry with Liverpool captain Chen Anno in the Premier League. 680 687 760

Appearance

Messi is depicted with a compact build and a low center of gravity that supports his close-control style. In formal settings, he is noted for his neatly groomed hair and understated dress; after joining Chelsea, he continues to wear the number 10. 358 410 687

• Has notably quick, compact footwork and a low center of gravity. 358
• Usually presents a calm, gentle expression, including after decisive goals. 88 688
• Wore Chelsea blue and inherited the club’s number 10 shirt, while Hazard moved to number 7. 687

Personality

Messi is reserved and composed. In Argentina’s World Cup-final dressing room, he is portrayed as quiet rather than vocal under pressure, but he answers setbacks through increased movement, creative responsibility, and direct involvement on the pitch. 259

Away from football, he prefers a peaceful home life over publicity and crowds. He quickly bonds with Chen Anno over their shared dislike of flashy, noisy lifestyles, and he is shown enjoying time with Antonella and their sons. 88 532

Despite injuries, defeats, and the approach of his thirties, Messi remains intensely competitive. Chen Anno’s rise and their repeated losses to one another become a major reason for Messi to seek a new challenge rather than accept decline. 532 655

Abilities & Skills

Dribbling and Ball Retention

Messi excels at retaining possession in congested areas through rapid footwork, feints, and balance.

• Kept possession against Chen Anno, Gustavo, and Fernandinho simultaneously, forcing Brazil to foul him. 261
• Used a La Croqueta to break between Paulinho and Fernandinho during Argentina’s late World Cup-final attack. 261
• Escaped pressure from Siqueira and Gabi, steadied himself after contact, and still found Iniesta with a pass. 358
• Frequently draws multiple defenders, creating space for Argentina and Chelsea teammates. 493 691

Playmaking and Passing

Messi operates as both a scorer and creator, often dropping into midfield to dictate attacks.

• Assisted Agüero’s World Cup-final equalizer after drawing David Luiz toward him. 262
• Played a diagonal pass through Brazil’s midfield to release Di María during a World Cup qualifier. 494
• Recorded a hat trick of assists in Chelsea’s 3–0 win over Everton. 713
• Is described as a creator capable of both scoring and assisting, in contrast to Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty-area-focused style. 411

Finishing and Set Pieces

Messi is particularly dangerous with his left foot from narrow angles, outside the box, and on free kicks.

• Scored a first-time left-footed volley from a difficult near-post angle against Atlético Madrid. 350
• Scored twice in a Camp Nou clash with Atlético, including a trademark curling shot from outside the box. 338
• Reached 100 European goals with a free kick for Chelsea, becoming the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to reach that mark. 749
• Scored twice against Liverpool in the Community Shield, including a curled finish through a narrow gap between two markers. 691

Movement and Timing

Messi’s off-ball timing allows him to exploit small defensive openings even when his initial acceleration is not overwhelming.

• Timed his run perfectly onto Iniesta’s chipped pass before scoring a volley against Atlético Madrid. 350
• Dropped deep to destabilize Brazil’s shape during Argentina’s World Cup-final comeback. 259
• Constantly searches for space around the edge of the penalty area, remaining Chelsea’s main threat even under close marking. 691

Relationships

• Chen Anno — Friend and long-running rival. Messi first welcomed Anno to his home through Neymar, then faced him in the 2014 World Cup final, La Liga, and the Premier League. Their respect never removes their desire to defeat one another. 88 493 687 760
• Neymar — Friend and former Barcelona teammate. Neymar introduced Anno to Messi; the pair later formed part of Barcelona’s MSN front three. 88 338
• Antonella — Wife. Messi introduced her to Chen Anno during the family dinner at his Castelldefels home. 88
• Thiago and Mateo — Sons. Messi is shown playing football with Thiago and spending quiet time with both children at home. 88 532
• Jorge Messi — Father and agent. Jorge handles Messi’s contract and transfer discussions, though he worries about Messi leaving Barcelona late in his career. 155 532 655
• Vilanova — Early mentor who supported Messi through injury at La Masia and later convinced him to remain at Barcelona during Chelsea’s first major approach. 155
• Henrique — Former Barcelona coach. Their tactical disagreements and Henrique’s strict discipline contributed to Messi’s decision to leave. 533 600
• Cristiano Ronaldo — Elite contemporary and competitive peer. Messi views competition with Ronaldo and Anno as motivation to improve. 410

Story Role / Major Arcs

2014 World Cup Final

Messi captains Argentina against Brazil at Maracanã, where he immediately demonstrates his ability to evade pressure and create chances. Argentina’s second-half strategy becomes centered on giving him the ball, and he assists Agüero’s equalizer; however, Brazil defeat Argentina 3–2. 256 259 262 760

Barcelona–Atlético Rivalry

Messi’s rivalry with Chen Anno intensifies after Anno joins Atlético Madrid. Following Atlético’s dramatic 4–3 victory at Camp Nou, Messi recognizes that the player he once regarded as a junior has become an opponent on his level—possibly one who has surpassed him in some respects—and resolves to seek revenge. 339

Messi remains a prolific scorer during the La Liga title and Golden Boot battles. He finishes one league season with 51 goals, behind Anno’s 58 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 56. 415

Departure from Barcelona

Frustrated by tactical disputes, club instability, and Barcelona’s inability to meet his renewal demands, Messi pauses contract negotiations and ultimately requests a transfer. His decision is also driven by a refusal to accept being eclipsed by Chen Anno. 532 533 600 655

Chelsea Era

After joining Chelsea, Messi becomes the centerpiece of Sarri’s attack. In his first official meeting with Liverpool after the move, he scores twice in the Community Shield but loses 3–2; he and Anno exchange shirts afterward. 687 691

By the thirteenth Premier League round, Messi has scored 11 goals as Chelsea prepare to face Liverpool. The fixture is promoted as the latest chapter in his rivalry with Anno, spanning the World Cup, La Liga, and the Premier League. 760

Notable Quotes

“Annuo and Cristiano Ronaldo are both great players. Competing with them has made me better.” 410

“Wasn't I answering the call of our Super Anno? You spoke up yourself. If I hadn't come, wouldn't that mean I was afraid to face you?” 687

Trivia

• Messi’s Castelldefels villa includes a private swimming pool and a small football pitch; he chose the location for its quiet surroundings. 88
• He is an avid drinker of mate tea, though Chen Anno finds its taste unbearably bitter. 88
• His Chelsea signing led Hazard to give up the number 10 shirt and switch to number 7. 687