Lionel Messi is arguably the most famous footballer in the world. Born in Argentina, he was notably small as a child and was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at a young age. His family could not easily afford the costly medical treatments, and when he was still a boy, FC Barcelona agreed to support his development by covering his treatment after recognising his extraordinary talent.

Messi would go on to become the most decorated player in the history of the sport, winning dozens of major titles and individual honours throughout his career. Off the field, he is famously quiet and reserved. On the pitch, however, he plays with an almost uncanny intelligence — often appearing to drift through the game, observing and calculating before suddenly creating something extraordinary. There is a sense of patience and precision to the way he moves, as though he is seeing the entire field several steps ahead.

This drawing captures the moment Argentina won the 2022 World Cup — an image of overwhelming relief and joy after a career defined by expectation, scrutiny, and near-mythic achievement. Tears of joy!

Karin Bubaš

Under Pressure

Karin Bubaš & Alex Tedlie-Stursberg