Messigraphica: A Graphic Biography of the Genius of Lionel Messi

by Sanjeev Shetty

'Messigraphica displays the data beautifully, allowing us to see the information quickly and clearly, and be in awe of the footballing phenomenon in comparison with a whole host of other players and sport stars.

Not only is this well-researched biography – which covers Messi’s early years in Argentina and Barcelona’s Academy – informative with its words, it literally illustrates his brilliance. Pep Guardiola once said to journalists: “Don’t write about him, don’t try to describe him. Watch him.”  We’re sure he’d be happy to view this quite excellent alternative.' Fantasista10


Lionel Messi is universally recognised as one of the greatest footballers of all time. From his childhood days kicking a ball on the streets of Rosario, Argentina, through his rise at the Barcelona academy, Messi has dribbled, dazzled and fired his way into the footballing elite.

In this innovative biography, Messi’s genius is explored and celebrated like never before: striking infographics illustrate the brilliance of his performances in football's greatest occasions, illuminate his pitch coverage and ball skills, as well as, his outstanding goal-scoring feats – no man has scored more goals in a calendar year. Messi’s talent, athleticism and eye for the game are showcased against his teammates, rivals and footballing legends.

Analysing his years under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, the overarching shadow of fellow Argentine great Maradona and his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, Sanjeev Shetty charts Messi’s rise into a player revered in equal parts for the goals he scores and the ones he creates.

Through infographics, photography and analysis, Messigraphica reveals the genius of Barcelona’s greatest like never before.

Genres: Nonfiction

258 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2017

About the author

And we are nearly ready! Who is Jeff Walker? hits the shelves on the 30th November! I'm not comfortable with giving big announcements but I will stay I really enjoyed writing this book and I hope it comes across when you read it. It's a follow-up to Man's Work, with Sam Langford returning, older, sometimes wiser but still as dry as they come. And I really hope you'll like Catherine Horvill, who is here to stay. I actually started writing this in 2017, having finished Total Football. I was inspired by two things - the desire to go back to fiction and tell a story. And making a book out of the name Jeff Walker, two words my then 12-year-old kept saying.

A third book featuring Sam Langford, tentatively called 'She's electric' is in development.

Reviews

[706Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good book, it was very informative. I recommend it.

[bookreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre writing with absolutely nothing new to say about one of the world's most discussed athletes.

[Revista Panenka]

La bibliografía de Messi es tan o más extensa que la colección de trofeos que se acumulan en las estanterías de su casa. Catálogo al que se acaba de sumar esta Messigráfica, de Sanjeev Shetty. Periodista vinculado durante décadas a la redacción de deportes de la BBC, la diferencia entre esta y las anteriores biografías escritas sobre el astro argentino es que Sanjeev Shetty ha acompañado su relato de infografías que ilustran por qué Messi es, muy probablemente, el mejor futbolista de todos los tiempos.
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