LIONEL MESSI signed his Barcelona contract on a piece of tissue paper, it has incredibly been revealed.

That and six other staggering bits of information feature in seven things you may not know about the Argentine maestro.

Messi has gone to become the world’s best player…and it all started with a napkinCredit: AP:Associated Press

1 His tissue contract

Barcelona’s then general secretary, Charly Rexach, was so impressed with what he saw from a 13-year-old Messi within seven minutes of his trial he needed to sign him up fast. Goalaso.tv have reported that the only thing near that he could write on was a napkin, which both sides signed right on the spot.

2 Ink-redible left leg

Dedicated to his craft, Messi has a picture of a football tattooed on that phenomenal left leg of his. Also in his ink collection is a picture of his mother on his back, plus his son Thiago’s hand prints.

Lionel Messi shows off the tattoo on his left leg as he adjusts his socksCredit: AP:Associated Press

Lionel Messi’s new piece of ink was spotted during the Copa AmericaCredit: Getty Images

3 Gone in 44 seconds

Messi’s Argentina debut lasted just 44 seconds. Yes, 44 seconds. Aged 18, Messi came on as a substitute in the 63rd-minute against Hungary  but was almost immediately dismissed after elbowing Vilmos Vanczak.

Lionel Messi had an international debut to forget – he lasted just 44 secondsCredit: EPA

4 Growing pains

Messi suffered from a growth hormone deficiency when he was young caused by malnutrition. His family could not afford the treatment but Barcelona would pay for the treatment when he moved to the Catalan giants.

5 Like father, like son…

Just 72 hours after his birth, Messi’s son Thiago, now four, had already been signed to Newell’s Old Boys – the same club that his father began his youth career at back in 1994.

Lionel Messi’s son Thiago has already been snapped up by Newell’s Old BoysCredit: AFP

Credit: Getty Images

There is an incredible coincidence regarding the birth dates of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and the birth dates of their sons

Cristiano Ronaldo gives it the thumbs up with his son, Cristiano Junior, during the unveiling of his statue in his home-town of Funchal in PortugalCredit: Getty Images

6  The 869 riddle

A truly bizarre coincidence involving the two greatest footballers in the world.

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is 869 days older than Messi. Astonishingly, Ronaldo’s son — Cristiano Ronaldo Junior — is ALSO 869 days older than Messi’s lad, Thiago. Crazy.

Lionel Messi’s partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, who he has known since the age of fiveCredit: Getty Images

Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo met through Roccuzzo’s cousinCredit: Getty Images

7 Childhood sweetheart

Messi has known his partner and mother of his children, Antonella Roccuzzo, since he was five years old. They grew up together in Rosario, Argentina, meeting through Roccuzzo’s cousin, who was a friend of Messi’s. Awww.