Lionel Messi’s journey is one steeped in passion, raw talent, and the kind of childhood that legends are made from. But when Messi started playing football is not just a simple date — it’s the foundation of myth, memory, and masterful skill.
In this article, DeutKick will walk you through Messi’s earliest days: how a little boy in Rosario first touched a ball, the youth clubs that shaped him, the hurdles he overcame, and how that humble beginning led to the footballing icon we know today. Buckle up — the story begins long before his first Barça goal.
Beginnings In Rosario: The First Touches Of Magic
Long before the world called him “Messi,” he was just “Leo,” growing up in Rosario, Argentina. His love for the game was ignited very early.
A Ball At His Feet From Day One
Lionel Andrés Messi was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario., but many credible sources suggest Messi first dribbled in organized settings by age five. He played for Grandoli, a small club in his neighborhood, coached by his father. At Grandoli, he learned to steal moments — to dribble through tight spaces, to find his balance, to build a bond with the ball.
Moving To Newell’s Old Boys: The Youth Stage
By age six or seven, Messi made the move to Newell’s Old Boys, one of the major clubs in Rosario with a respected youth system. During his time at Newell’s, he was part of a youth team known as “The Machine of ’87” (La Máquina del ’87) — a cohort of players born in 1987 considered nearly invincible at youth level.
In those formative years, Messi reportedly scored almost 500 goals in various youth competitions, showcasing his extraordinary talent. The volume of goals stunned coaches and scouts — people began to whis.
But that period wasn’t smooth sailing. When he was about 10, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency — a serious obstacle. His size became a barrier: medical treatment was expensive, and clubs sometimes balked at investing in a child who might never grow normally. However, Messi and his family persevered, and Newell’s initially supported him, though later the club would struggle to maintain financial backing for his treatment.
Crossing Oceans: The Move To Barcelona
Young Messi’s dazzling performance at Newell’s did not go unnoticed beyond Rosario. Scouts from Argentina’s biggest clubs were interested, and even Europe was watching.
The Barcelona Call
When he was just 13 years old, Messi and his family made the life-changing decision to relocate to Spain. In 2000, FC Barcelona offered to support his medical treatment and youth development — a deal that would pivotally change his life and career trajectory.
At Barcelona, he joined La Masia, the club’s prestigious youth academy. There, Messi would refine the raw skills he had displayed in Rosario — his dribbling, finishing, vision, and instinct — under world-class coaching, and with resources that youth football in Argentina could seldom provide.
Rapid Ascent Through The Ranks
Messi’s time at La Masia was not that of an ordinary youth player. He progressed swiftly: he played in Barcelona’s youth teams (Cadete, Juvenil) and already began to attract attention in regional competitions. His technique, low center of gravity, and audacious skills made him stand out — often playing above his age group.
By 2003–2004, Messi began appearing for Barcelona C, marking his move into senior-level football, albeit at the lower tiers. In October 2004, he made his official first-team debut (in La Liga) at just 17 years old — a moment many consider the birth of the Messi we celebrate globally.
Why The Start Matters: How Early Development Shaped Messi
Understanding when Messi started playing football isn’t a trivial curiosity — it’s central to understanding how greatness is built.
- Muscle memory and instinct: The early, repetitive touches at age five or six built a foundation of reflex and feel few can replicate.
- Confidence under pressure: The youth tournaments at Newell’s and Barcelona exposed him to high stakes early on, teaching him poise.
- Technical mastery over talent alone: His youth years weren’t just about raw talent — technique, control, and game intelligence were honed daily.
- Resilience through adversity: Battling physical limitations (growth hormone deficiency) instilled in him a mental toughness that became a trademark.
So when someone asks when Messi started playing football, it’s more than a date — it’s the moment that set the spark for greatness.
A Timeline Of Early Milestones
|
Age |
Club / Stage |
Milestone |
|
~5 years old |
Grandoli |
First organized play, coached by father |
|
~6–7 years old |
Newell’s Old Boys youth |
Joined formal youth structure, scored prolifically |
|
10 years old |
Newell’s period |
Diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency |
|
13 years old |
Move to Barcelona |
Family relocates, joins La Masia |
|
2003 |
Barcelona C / youth transition |
Begins lower-tier senior appearances |
|
October 2004 |
FC Barcelona first team |
Official La Liga debut at age 17 |
FAQs Around Messi’s Early Years
At what age did Messi join Newell’s Old Boys?
Messi joined Newell’s youth setups when he was about six or seven years old. Some sources term “age six,” others “age seven,” but most agree it was during early childhood.
How long did he stay at Newell’s?
He remained roughly six years at Newell’s,.
Was Messi’s professional debut in Barcelona?
Yes. Though he was already known before arriving in Spain, Messi’s first official senior-level debut came in Barcelona — his La Liga debut happened in October 2004, after progressing through Barca’s youth and reserve teams.
The Legacy Of Early Beginnings
From a boy dribbling in Rosario to one of football’s most celebrated icons, when Messi started playing football matters because it frames the narrative of effort, sacrifice, and magical talent merging. His early environment, his mentors, his battles — all these shaped the player who would go on to break records and inspire generations.
For fans, knowing this origin story deepens appreciation. For young players, it’s a reminder that the path to greatness can start in a humble local pitch, nurtured by passion and perseverance.
Final Thoughts
When Messi started playing football isn’t a footnote — it’s the opening chapter of a saga. From kicking a ball at age five or six in Rosario to rising through Newell’s, overcoming medical challenges, and crossing continents for the dream, Messi’s journey reminds us that legends are forged long before they shine on the world stage.
If you want to dig deeper into Messi’s youth stats, match timelines, or compare his start to other legends, DeutKick has you covered. Dive into our other articles on Messi’s youth goals, career milestones, and comparison with other greats—and keep coming back for the stories football fans live for.
