Reading this playful portrait of Leo Messi reminded me how extraordinary every minute was that I spent by his side. PEP GUARDIOLA SHORTLISTED FOR THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR In 22 short chapters, acclaimed Catalan writer Jordi Punti 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 Punti'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