Messi (Signed By Author)

Guillem Balague

ISBN 10: 1409146596 / ISBN 13: 9781409146599

Published by Orion, London, 2013

About this Item

Appears unread. Signed by Guillem Balague to title page. No other marks or inscriptions. A very clean very tight copy with bright unmarked boards and no bumping to corners. Dust jacket not price clipped or marked or torn or creased. 628pp. Biography of Barcelona's Lionel Messi written by distinguished sports commentator and writer Guillem Balague. Well illustrated. Tucked in is a copy Guillem Balague's signature from the internet as confirmation. We do not use stock photos, the picture displayed is of the actual book for sale. Every one of our books is in stock in the UK ready for immediate delivery. Size: 9.5 x 6.25 inches. Seller Inventory # 024131

Bibliographic Details

Title: Messi (Signed By Author)

Publisher: Orion, London

Publication Date: 2013

Binding: Hard Cover

Condition: Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

Signed: Signed by Author

Edition: First Edition.

About this title

Synopsis:

The story of one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi's career has been a stellar ascent, and shows no signs as yet of slowing down. Born in Rosario in Argentina in 1987, he began playing football at a very young age, and it wasn't long before his skill and potential was noticed in Europe by Barcelona. He debuted in the 2004-5 season, breaking FC Barcelona's team record for youngest footballer to score a league goal, and being part of the outstanding team that won La Liga that year. His breakthrough season was 2006-7, when he became a first team regular, and in 2008-9 he scored 38 goals to play an integral part in the team's triple-winning success. He surpassed this achievement in 2009-10 with 47 goals in all competitions, and again in 2010-11 with 53 goals.

Since Pep Guardiola took over as manager of Barcelona in 2008, Messi has become Barcelona's all-time top scorer in all official club competitions - at the age of 25. He scored an astonishing 91 goals in the calendar year 2012 alone. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year Award in 2009, and won the inaugural FIFA BALLON D'OR in 2010 and again in 2011 and 2012. He has also excelled on the international stage, playing for his national team. The diminutive Argentinian plays with a smile on his face at the most successful club in European football. He has even been praised by Maradona as his 'successor'. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time, possibly even the greatest. Guillem Balague's perceptive and compelling book goes to the heart of the mystery - and genius - that is Messi.

Review:

You may know a lot of the Messi legend already, but his is still a fascinating backstory. (Four Four Two)

There's certainly some interesting insight and information...particularly Balague's understanding of Argentinian politics, culture and mores. ...The book glows with extended testimonies from those who ever coached or mentored Messi. (David Stubbs WHEN SATURDAY COMES)