What Age Was Lionel Messi When He Went Pro?

How Old Was Messi When He Went Pro? The Inspiring Journey

The Early Years: Messi's Path to Professional Soccer

Well, when you think of Lionel Messi, you probably picture him as the superstar he is now. But the story of how Messi went pro is one of determination, passion, and overcoming obstacles. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi started playing soccer at a young age. His talent was obvious from the beginning, and even as a kid, he was already making waves in his local community.

I was chatting with my buddy Carlos the other day, and he mentioned how Messi was already playing for his local club, Newell’s Old Boys, when he was just 7. But here's the thing: Messi’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. At the age of 10, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. It could’ve been the end of his career, honestly. Can you imagine? A young kid with all the talent in the world, but his body wasn’t cooperating.

The Big Break: Moving to Barcelona at 13

This is where the magic really starts to happen. At 13, Messi moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. They saw his potential, and of course, they were willing to pay for his medical treatment. At that age, Messi was far from "pro" status, but this was his big step toward the top.

I know, it’s hard to imagine a 13-year-old living so far from home, but he was determined. And let's be honest – when you’re that gifted, you’ve got to make the tough choices, right? Moving from Argentina to Spain is no small feat, and it shows just how committed he was to his dream. It’s something I can’t even wrap my head around. If my kid was 13 and had to leave home, I’d be a wreck!

Messi’s Professional Debut: The Big Moment at 17

Now, here’s the part that really blows my mind. Messi was only 17 when he made his official professional debut for FC Barcelona. It was October 16, 2004, and he was just a kid still learning the ropes. But even then, you could see glimpses of his genius on the field.

Honestly, when I first watched that match, I had no idea what to expect. A teenager playing alongside seasoned pros like Ronaldinho? It felt like a movie. And yet, there he was, proving that age didn’t matter. The kid was already playing at a level most people could only dream of. I remember discussing it with a friend later that day, and we were both in shock. "Did you see that Messi kid?" we kept saying. His potential was undeniable.

The Rapid Rise: Messi Becomes a Household Name

Fast forward a couple of years, and Messi had already established himself as one of the best. By the time he was 19, Messi was not just a regular player – he was the face of Barcelona and one of the most feared players in the world. His rise was meteoric, and he quickly surpassed expectations. I mean, it's crazy to think about how fast it all happened.

Actually, I once had a conversation with a fellow soccer fan who was convinced Messi had been playing professionally forever. The idea that he’d gone pro at 17 just didn’t seem real to him. But that’s the thing with Messi – his maturity on the field made him seem older than he really was. He was that good, that early.

Conclusion: How Old Was Messi When He Went Pro?

So, to answer the question straight up: Lionel Messi was 17 years old when he made his professional debut for Barcelona. It's a mind-blowing age to start such a legendary career, right? But Messi wasn’t just any 17-year-old; he was a prodigy, and his passion for soccer was evident from the start.

I guess the lesson here is that age really is just a number. Messi’s story proves that with enough talent, determination, and the right opportunities, you can go pro much earlier than expected. If you’re ever feeling like you’re too young (or too old) to start something big, just think of Messi. His journey shows that dreams don’t have an age limit!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.