Messi's Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T. - Hardcover

by Caroline L. Perry (Author), Luciano Lozano (Illustrator)

Discover how footballer Lionel Messi defied the odds and became the G.O.A.T. in this inspiring story teeming with excitement, emotion, and Messi facts galore!

**A Junior Library Guild Selection**

A 2026 Children's Book Council Kids' Favorites Award Winner

★ "At a time when Messi biographies are in abundance, this one stands out"-School Library Journal, starred review

"A fitting tribute to a stellar role model."-Booklist

How did a small, shy, soccer-obsessed child with a serious medical condition become a goal-scoring, record-breaking, once-in-a-generation sensation?

For everyone who loves soccer, dreams big, and is inspired by heroes who triumph against the odds, Messi's Magic delivers a thrilling, deeply emotional story.

Filled with action-packed pictures and never-before-seen detail, it spotlights Lionel "Leo" Messi's early years and shows how, even when facing loss, loneliness, and setbacks, he never gave up on his goal. Leo's resilience and big-heartedness on the journey to become the G.O.A.T. are as inspiring as his dazzling style of play. This humble hero has ignited passion in millions and sparked the movement: Messi Mania!

Enriched with statistics, career highlights, a timeline, and fun facts, Messi's Magic is a gift to soccer fans of all ages.

Author Biography

Caroline L. Perry is the author of the acclaimed picture book The Corgi and the Queen illustrated by Lydia Corry, as well as several forthcoming books for children. A lifelong soccer fan, a youth soccer coach, and mum to three soccer-obsessed kids (who can frequently be found squabbling over goal stats), Caroline also volunteers as a public-school writing instructor. She lives in Southern California with her family. Learn more at carolinelperry.com.
Luciano Lozano is an award-winning author, illustrator, and graphic artist based in Lionel Messi's adopted city of Barcelona, Spain. Luciano's picture books include Boys Dance by John Robert Allman, Ciao Sandro! by Steven Varni, and his very own Diana Dances. A self-taught artist who studied creative illustration in a postgraduate course at EINA University School of Design and Art of Barcelona, he also creates editorial art for newspapers and magazines worldwide. Learn more at lucianolozano.com.