Messi: The Inside Story of the Boy Who Became a Legend

By Luca Caioli

There can be little doubt that Lionel Messi is currently the greatest player on the planet and the story of his rise to the top of the game is a compelling one. Perhaps the only player in the past 20 years to truly threaten to rival Diego Maradona in natural talent, Messi deserves not just one look, but two or three. In Messi: The Inside Story of the Boy Who Became a Legend, Luca Caioli, uncovers the secrets which formed the Barcelona star.
 
Writing about one so young is always risky. Perhaps there will not be enough to say? Perhaps too many people will question why write a book on someone who is just 22? After all, there is so much more Messi can, and will, do. But Messi is no ordinary footballer and already there is enough material for Caioli to go at, more than many a seasoned pro could offer. At 250 pages long it’s not an epic, but it’s enough, enough to read and come out of it knowing Messi that bit better. And maybe there is an argument for knowing a player still plying his trade better, feeling you have the inside track over how he will behave, what drives him, and what he could do, rather than just reflecting on a career already over.

Luca Caioli has gone about his book the right way. It isn’t just Messi he’s interviewed – although of course the young genius shares a chat or two with the author. It’s more that Caioli talks to those who have been so instrumental in his career thus far. One conversation which stands out is that with Messi’s former coach at Barcelona Frank Rijkaard. The Dutchman is perhaps perfectly placed to compare Messi to Maradona, and not least because he came up against a Maradona in his pomp in Serie A. Rijkaard told Caioli: "I understand why many people compare Diego and Leo. They are both Argentine, they’re both little and they both have great qualities, but comparisons are always complicated." Rijkaard goes on to say he, personally, cannot yet make a judgement. It must wait until Messi retires he argues.

Caioli does a brilliant job of guiding the reader through Messi’s career so far. From his development in Argentina, to his trip to Spain and debut with Barcelona. Having spoken to so many people surrounding Messi, as well as the player himself, it’s hard not to get a rounded picture of the Argentine. For that alone, to know what makes Messi tick, to hear just how highly those around him rate the youngster, gives the reader a great insight.

The book ends with an interview with Messi. Caioli is ready for his chat and goes beyond the usual simple superficial questions. Messi for his part is honest and open, and just this final chapter alone is a refreshing read.

Messi is not finished yet and there will be many more chapters to write. But this book is an easy and interesting read. And for the words of wisdom from pundits, players and agents across Spain and Argentina, it’s well worth a look.