Messi – 2015 Updated Edition: More Than a Superstar

by Luca Caioli

This is an updated edition of Luca Caioli's best-selling biography, including the dramatic 2013/14 season and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in which Lionel Messi's match-winning performances finally began to win over his harshest critics—his fellow countrymen. Messi is a revealing portrait of soccer's most unassuming superstar with numerous exclusive testimonies to tell Messi's story, including an interview with the man himself. It charts his successful battle to overcome a career-threatening growth hormone deficiency, following which he has proceeded to win almost every award and trophy, including an unprecedented four FIFA Ballons d'Or, the Oscar of world soccer.

Genres: Biography, Football, Sports, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Luca Caioli (Milan, 1958) is the author of several novels and biographies that have been translated into forty languages ​​and sold a million copies. Throughout a career of over thirty years as a journalist, he has covered the main sports events for the most prominent European media. He currently lives in Madrid.

Reviews

[Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca Caioli has written this book in an inspirational manner for any soccer (football) fan who wants to be a great player like Messi. Messi is a genius on the field and a perfect gentleman off-field. The author has written about almost all events in his life, both on and off-field, right from his childhood. The amount of grit and determination shown by Messi from a very young age is admirable. This is a must-read book if you are a soccer fan.




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[menna hafez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messi is one of my favourite player ever, i am a big fan if Barca because of him and if him leave Barcelona and go to another team, i will always support him.

[Joyce Job · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except for the family tradition of watching world cup matches with my dad and occasionally helping my die-hard soccer-fan friends to rewrite or proofread their articles about football matches, I've very little to do with football. But still, I loved this book.

I thought my scant knowledge about football, its tournaments and statistics would bog me down. But surprisingly, it didn't. I loved reading about Messi - his childhood, his passion for football, the crucial decisions his family made early in his life to help him pursue his goals, the various coaches and players who supported, protected and guided him during his early days, the various dilemmas he faced at different junctures in his life, his loyalties being questioned by Barca and Argentina fans, the tax accusations, his professional rivalry with Cristiano but their mutual respect and admiration in real life, his dreams, wins, losses, his love for his teams, his country, family and loads more.

I felt its best to read this book in one go. Apart from the central theme of Messi's life journey, I enjoyed the deep delve into match descriptions and the dynamics between Leo and his teammates especially with Xavi, Iniesta etc and the deadly MSN(Messi, Suarez, Neymar) combo.

Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of football(G.O.A.T). But this book doesn't merely focus on his professional wins or losses. It shows us his humanness. I loved that aspect of this book. Messi can't keep calm about his failures, it frustrates him. But he doesn't gloat on his victories either. He appreciates the individual awards he wins, but he values his team wins more. It bothers him when his loyalty is questioned by his Argentina or Barcelona fans. Even amidst the most difficult dilemmas, when anybody else in his shoes would have easily succumbed to arrogant remarks or actions, Messi sticks to his character and waits for the decision of the higher authorities. I don't know the man inside out. But these instances from his life gave me the general impression that he isn't just a star player but a good human being too.

One of my favourite moments in the book is the whole dilemma regarding Messi attending Beijing Olympics in 2009 representing Argentina vs him attending Barca's Champions League qualifier matches. There was a lot of push and pull. But eventually, the verdict was in Messi's favour. The Argentina team including Leo goes on to win gold at the Beijing Olympics. Even at the most stressful moment, Leo respects the verdicts of the higher authorities, without shying away from expressing his interests clearly.
"If FIFA says I don't have to go, I'm not going; if I have to go, I'll go, without waiting for the CAS, because if I wait for the CAS it will already be too late for my teammates and the national selection staff."

The way Leo explains the ordinariness or humanness in even his most spectacular goals and achievements is something I enjoyed throughout the book.
When Platini says: "Messi is a killer player, he is strong and he will achieve many things. ..."
Messi replies later in an interview: "Me? A killer? That seems a bit strong. I prefer to focus on mental strength because you have to work hard to maintain that level. Every day it gets tougher, more competitive. I'm not a machine. When I hit a bump I have to work on it."

His love for family is definitely heartwarming to watch and read about.
"Before, if we lost or I played badly I wouldn't talk to anyone for three or four days while I got over the frustration. Now if we lose, I go home and see my son and I can let go. I might still be angry on the inside, but seeing him changes everything. Being a father has helped me grow up. It has helped me to stop being so obsessed over football and to realise that there are other things in life too."

When Messi and Argentina team recently beat Brazil in Copa America Final earning that one honour that was missing in Leo's long list of achievements - a major title with his national team, I was happy for him and the team. Leo video calling his family from the ground to tell them about his victory and showing his medal was a cherry on the cake moment. But now that I've read this book and the long journey full of failures, tears, criticisms, insults and disappointments Messi and his team had endured to reach there, the victory is so much more sweeter and glorious in my eyes.

[Jerawan Meesangnilverakul · Rating 3 out of 5]

How well do you know Messi?

Well, for me, I took interest in him since the FIFA World Cup 2018.

So I would say I am not a die-hard fan of him.

But as I was reading, I was just so in love with him, as a person and as a football player.
For someone who is just interested in football like me, this is kind of rare.

Messi is the football player who, from what I read in the book, the one who always gets beyond the football statistics.

When I found this in the library, I just freaked out.
Because at that time I was so hyped in reading about Messi.

But it is not an easy read at all, I would say.
Since I am a beginner at football, I could say that it is not so smooth to follow the stories involving statistics and stuff since you are a beginner.

It is difficult to follow his stories from the beginning to the end.
While I was reading, at some point, I was confused and discouraged to read.
That's why it took me so long to finish.

It is like when you start to like something, but you just can't dig deep into it until you have a foundation for something.

So, 335 pages are not just too much for me.
But habits die hard, I have to finish the book.

But as a person, Messi is an incredibly good person and a good football player.
Messi is dedicated to football and he always sees football as a passion.

After I finished, I binge watched Messi video clips.
My jaws just dropped at how good he is at football.


Well, the Premier League is here. So, I just can't wait to cheer up for Barcelona.
This book makes me wanna binge watch every match Messi was playing.

Wow. I think I really know Messi well enough to cheer up for him and Barcelona.
Four years from now, I am going to cheer up for Argentina.

And if possible, I am going to watch every match he had played!!

[Nico Pocho · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was firstly fact stating. If you read this book you will probably know most things about the world's best player Lionel Messi. This book was actually quite enjoyable for me, but to be honest you really have to be a soccer fan to have the same feeling about this book than me. If you ever start this book since there are so many facts, you will have to keep your mind off of other books because this book takes a while to read. This book is very informative and it really helps people who read this to understand who really Lionel Messi was, apart from his soccer career. (even says it in the title: more than a superstar)

[Deepen Gajjar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title itself makes one pick up and read this book especially if you are a football fan. Its a real life story about the boy who had begin his journey by sending him half way around the world, strived, for himself and for his family and became an eminent footballer on this planet. I'd say that the author, Luca Caioli had crafted this book in a good manner. Each and every interview discussed meticulously. Must read this. book, especially if you're a football fan.

[Aidan Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb story about a superb player.

[AKHIL TP4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives the view of Messi as a person than a football player.... for someone who is not a great fan of Messi ...I don't think this book will do good!!! anyway I loved it

[Alex Rider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messi: More Than a Superstar by Luca Caioli is a biography about the world-class soccer player, Lionel Messi. The book begins with his birth and slowly guides the reader through the life of the star. It discusses numerous hardships that Messi had to overcome and gives the reader a solid background of the player. For example, Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder at a young age and his family was unable to pay for his medication. Without the help of FC Barcelona, his current club, the world may have never known his incredible talent. The author, Luca Caioli showcases the story of Messi perfectly. A sports journalist, Caioli is extremely involved in the world of soccer. He has written biographies about Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Suarez.
There were a few events in the book that stuck out to me; for instance, Lionel Messi made his debut with the senior squad at 16 years old. Only two players in Barcelona’s history have been younger on their debuts. The quote, “Lionel Messi debuts in the 74th minute… He is wearing number 14 and he cannot wait to show what he is worth”. (Caioli 55) displays his debut perfectly. Lionel Messi’s debut for the senior squad was only the beginning of the legacy he has left on not only the club, but the game of soccer. His debut is inspiring to me because I am currently 16 years old and am far from making my professional debut. However, after reading this book, I have learned countless attributes to help improve my ability as a player.
In conclusion, this book was fantastic and I would personally rate it 5 out of 5. As a soccer player, I was able to learn from Messi’s experiences and I believe that this book will help me to become a better player. For a soccer enthusiast, this book is a must read! Anyone aspiring to learn more about one of the greatest soccer players of all time should read this book. It truly gives the reader a behind-the-scenes look at the journey Messi has embarked. This book is a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about Lionel Messi and his journey to becoming a world-class player.

[Rasel Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

মেসি। ফুটবলের খুদে জাদুকর। একের পর এক রেকর্ড নিজের নামে করে নেয়া এই মানুষটি বর্তমান প্রজন্মের সেরা খেলোয়াড়। কেউ কেউ সর্বকালের সেরা বলতেও ২য় বার চিন্তা করে না। ঘটনাবহুল তার জীবনীকে বইয়ের আকারে প্রকাশ করেছে মাদ্রিদ ভিত্তিক ইতালিয়ান ক্রীড়া সাংবাদিক লুকা কাইওলি। তিনি নেইমার, রোনালদো, সুয়ারেজদের নিয়েও বই লিখেছেন।

বইটিতে মূলত মেসিসহ বিভিন্ন সাংবাদিক, ফ্যামিলি ম্যাম্বার, ক্লাব কর্মকর্তাসহ অনেকের সাক্ষাৎকার ও বিশেষ ম্যাচ গুলোর বিশ্লেষণ করা হয়েছে৷ বইটিতে মেসির ১৫-১৬ মৌসুম পর্যন্ত পরিসংখ্যান যোগ করা হয়েছে। যা বর্তমানে আরো ১০০+ পেজ যোগ করার দাবি রাখে।

বইটি অনুবাদ করেছেন সঞ্জয় বসাক পার্থ৷ প্রকাশ করেছে আদী প্রকাশন৷ অনুবাদ, প্রডাকশন দুটোই ভালো হয়ছে।

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contains tons of interesting stories and information about the (in my strong opinion) GOAT of football (get out of here with your Ronaldo). Certainly an interesting portrait of the incredibly gifted player, as well as the modern era of football.

I gave it a relatively low rating here due to the writing itself. The book covers material that makes it interesting, but the author himself brings nothing to the table in the form of storytelling. It reads more as a list of facts and information rather than a biography.

[Arjun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting quest through how one of the greatest sportsmen in the world, became the best football ever (arguably).

Young aged Lionel to a maestro with the ball at his feet, exclusive interviews, enticing pictures and eye glueing stories of how Lionel Àndres Messi climbed through the ranks at Barcelona and Old Boys

Enjoy

[Ian Londa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read! Couldn't put it down once I started. I'd recommend it to ardent followers of the "Beautiful Game," it's a book that outlines the life(mainly the football side) of one of its protagonists....Plus you get to relive through some of the games.

[Parth Bhagwat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books shows how Messi became a legend of football even with all the challenges he had to face while playing such as moving countries and having a growth problem. This is an example of someone that did have quite a rough road but still made it in the end.

[Maulesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful story of another footballing great- Messi. It was really amazing to read about such a beautiful player's life. I got to know a lot of things I had not known about him. For me, he is the G.O.A.T.

[Pranav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely really well written book with great descriptions of the matches making you feel like you're in them. The only disadvantage of the edition I read being that it doesn't cover Messi's Argentine Fairytale Ending.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was a good book however in the beginning it is a bit boring. When Messi starts his career it is a lot more interesting because it shows many details from his career.

[MARCUS LEAW · Rating 5 out of 5]

When he was first introduced to the world of football, they all said he is too small, too little, too fragile to go all the way. He won't be able to compete under all the pressure.How wrong they all were!

Messi - the name is enough to send shivers down the spine of any defender who has ever graced the pitch. This is the story of a boy, who diagnosed with a serious case of growth hormone deficiency, beat all odds and went on to become the greatest ever footballer to have played the beautiful game. He went on to become the pivot of the greatest ever squad assembled in footballing history.

The author, Luca Caioli, has written a breathtaking account of Leo's journey from being a little Argentinean boy to reaching the ultimate glory in FC Barcelona. He has managed to tell an otherwise untold story about the one and only, Lionel Messi, through thorough conducted interviews with his coaches, both past and present, teammates, both from the Argentina national team, and his FC Barcelona club.

It started of his movement from different clubs starting from Grandoli to Club Attic Newell's Old Boys and then to his present FC-Barcelona. Before long, he reached the first team and scored his first ever official goal assisted by football legend Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho served as Messi's mentor for a few years before retiring from the sport completely. After the retirement of Ronaldinho, he stepped up to the plate and delivered, having single-handedly won the FIFA U-20 World Cup for Argentina, drawing comparisons to another Argentinean, Diego Maradona, who won it in 1979. His displays were so magnificent during the competition, that he received the Golden Ball and Golden Boot award. In the subsequent year, 23-year old Cristiano Ronaldo helped Manchester United win the FA Cup, a Premier League title, the FIFA Club World Cup and most importantly, the UEFA Champions League trophy, and so the intense rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi began. Luca Caioli's biography then began telling tales about how Lionel Messi captained the Argentine national team in the 2010 world cup, scoring 4 goals and 1 assist in the competition, before being kicked out in the quarter final after a 4-0 humiliation by Germany. By 2014, he had won his 4th Balloon d'Or and captained Argentina to the world cup final before losing once again to Germany (1-0). His fierce rival Cristiano Ronaldo then joined Real Madrid, facing Messi twice every year during el clasico before leaving to Juventus in 2018. During the time Ronaldo was in Real Madrid, it also showcased MSN, featuring talented Brazilian Neymar Jr, deadly Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez, then finally Magical Messi!!! It created the most lethal front trio the sport has ever seen.

The book also features special interviews from his family members and the greatest of footballing legends. Luca Caioli has truly given his best to depict and narrate all of the action in the matches the trio played. All through the book I can assure you that the cheering of fans and the stadium excitement will play through your mind and you will feel the exhilarating action happening in the moment.

Recommended not only for football lovers, but for anyone who might have had even a tiny shard of curiosity regarding this living legend. Believe me, this is not your normal story. It's way way more.

[William Chong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messi:more than just a superstar, a sports biography by Luca Caioli, portrays not only the man behind the magic, but also portrays the hungry beast that is Lionel Messi, who always is striving to get better.
the main character is one Leo Messi, and the plot is the story of his whole life, from his humble beginnings in Rosario, Argentina to his undoubtable star in Barcelona. Personally, I think this book could have gone more in depth with Messi's personal life after he joined Barcelona, as there is almost no information on that after about 2007 in the book. I personally love this book, because it is a interesting read, and furthermore, it portrays Messi in the way he deserves.

[Katelyn Viducic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, " Messi: More Than a Superstar" is a great book, I highly recommend this book to any soccer player that wants to make it into the professional league. Messi started his life out living in Argentina with a pretty poor family. Messi didn't care much about school but he did have this thrive when it came to soccer. The only problem was his size. When Messi was eleven he was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. He had to get it treated but his family didn't have the money. So Barcelona the Football Club said they would pay for the medical bills if the Messi family would move to Spain. So that's what the family did. Messi would have to go to the doctors office and get needles poked at him to help him with his health problem. Luckily the treatment worked and he was still able to play soccer. So Messi and his family moved to Spain to help him with his soccer career. As the season went on the team gave Messi a spot on the team. Messi continued to train and train very hard, he was the top scorer in many leagues, and is still breaking records today. In fact he is still on the team Barcelona and is one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

[Uzair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading this book a day ago, so far I'm on chapter 3, in which Luca Caioli explains the difficulties of Messi's youth, as in where he lived (Rosario, Argentina) there were protests going on. In the same chapter it also tells the story of how Messi had a growth problem, and if this wasn't fixed he could no longer play football

[Francesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

My passion is completely relatable to this book. I know a lot about Lionel Messi, but this book has allowed me to read every step from his birth to his fame. This was also the first book I have read in my 8th-grade year.

[Asim Shrestha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A season by season recap of Blaugrana and Albiceleste games played by 'The Flea'.

[Dean :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven't read a better biography than this one! For anyone who is interested in football, or even if you're not, I recommend you get going on this book!:)

[Cristian]

great

[:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best description i can give about this biographical book is that it made me nothing but love messi more :)

[Fraser · Rating 1 out of 5]

Young life was interesting...

[Hala]

l love messi so much

[Deep · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply awesome

[Samsia Sifat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't get me a wrong! I love football. I might be a Gooner but on an international level, I support Argentina. And how can I escape the magic of Lionel Messi? I love him and I bought this book the moment I saw it. But sadly the book doesn't deliver much.

In the beginning, I enjoyed knowing about his childhood and early beginnings. It's nice to know things that one didn't before but the author fails to keep it up. The book then delves into details of the matches that led him to where he is now. I understand how the matches made him who he is but I believe it's pointless to discuss minute details of the matches. We enjoy "seeing" the goals and assists and many of us have already enjoyed those matches live so what's the point of describing them in minute details again? There are other ways to re-live the matches. I rather wanted to know about the emotions of Messi and his surroundings involved in the different stages of his life not minute details of what happened. Many follows the superstar so we already know what happened in front of media so what's the point of repeating it. He even repeated few of his post-match interview!

Yes, Messi's career is still far from over so this book is not and doesn't claim to be either a biography. It claims to be a portrait of the star's life. I thought the portrait missed lots of shades of the player's life despite trying to put his life in a chronological order. More interviews from his family and close friends instead of just relying on the coaches would have made the book more rich. Plus the writer is so obsessed with comparing him with Maradona. I guess it was a mistake on my end too to expect from an Italian sports journalist.