Who Is Lionel Messi? By James Buckley Jr. Illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez HC

Some kids dream of scoring the winning goal. Lionel Messi grew up to become one of the greatest to ever play the game. And now, young readers can discover exactly how he got there.

Part of the beloved Who HQ Now series, this illustrated biography follows Messi from his very first days kicking a ball around with his family—cheered on by his grandmother—to becoming one of the most decorated footballers in history.

Along the way, young fans will learn about the milestones that made him a legend:

• His first team debut at just sixteen years old back in 2003
• Seven Ballon d’Or awards and dozens of collective trophies
• His unforgettable role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory

But what makes this story special isn’t just the records. It’s the heart. Every time Messi scores, he looks up and points to the sky—a quiet tribute to his grandmother. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter how far you go, you never forget where you started.

Packed with black-and-white illustrations and written in an accessible, engaging style, this is a perfect pick for curious kids who love soccer, sports heroes, or a good underdog-turned-champion tale.

A wonderful addition to any young reader’s shelf, whether they’re already a die-hard fan or just falling in love with the beautiful game.

Stop by and browse our children’s biography collection—there’s a whole world of remarkable lives waiting to be discovered here in the cove.

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