"Reading this playful portrait of Leo Messi reminded me how extraordinary every minute was that I spent by his side." PEP GUARDIOLASHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEARIn 22 short chapters, acclaimed Catalan writer Jordi Puntí explores the beauty, the genius and the obsession of Lionel Messi. He takes us from the near-mythical scenery of a South American footballing youth to the glory and the struggle of a life on the international stage, capturing along the way our enduring desire to relive our experience of the beautiful game."Jordi Puntí’s stunning tribute to Lionel Messi will captivate football aficionados as well as fans of fine writing." Ian Sansom, Spectator"This is brilliant - I’ve been telling everyone about this book." Simon Critchley, author of What We Think About When We Think About Football"There’s nobody better to write this book - which doesn’t aim to explain Messi but to enjoy him… A joyous read.” Simon Kuper, co-author of Soccernomics"An eloquent celebration that can remind us of the thrill of a close encounter with a player whose skills have often led him to be described as 'alien'.” David Horspool, Times Literary Supplement
Review
Jordi Punti's stunning tribute to Lionel Messi will captivate football aficionados as well as fans of fine writing. - Spectator
This is brilliant - I've been telling everyone about this book.
There's nobody better to write this book - which doesn't aim to explain Messi but to enjoy him... A joyous read.
An eloquent celebration that can remind us of the thrill of a close encounter with a player whose skills have often led him to be described as 'alien'. - Times Literary Supplement
Punti is one of the greatest Catalan writers and with this book he is at the height of his talents. - El Pais
A portrait of Messi that captures his greatness. - Revista Detour
A spellbinding, joyous, intoxicating ode to Lionel Messi.
Book Description
In 22 short essays, Punti explores the beauty, the hunger, the genius and the obsession of Messi - he takes us from the near-mythical scenery of a South American footballing youth, where the world is "an infinite football pitch", to the glory and the struggle of a life on the international stage.
About the Author
Jordi Punti was born in Manlleu, near Barcelona, and is a fiction writer and regular contributor to the Spanish and Catalan press. He has won numerous lit