Tune in at 16:00 London, 19:00 UAE
Live from Abu Dhabi Connect the World takes you on a journey across continents, investigating the stories that are changing our world.
Monday's Connector: Footballer Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the most talented and talked about footballers of this generation.
The 23-year-old Argentinian played his first league match for FC Barcelona in 2005, when he became the youngest player ever to score a league goal for the team.
Messi has since gone on to break multiple records and win numerous awards.
He won FIFA’s World Player of the Year award in 2009 and the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2010, and had a record-breaking 2009-2010 season, scoring 47 goals across all competitions.
The famous footballer is also well-known for his charity work. He started the Leo Messi Foundation in 2007, working to improve access to education and health care for children.
He will also soon join the likes of Orlando Bloom and Ricky Martin as one of UNICEF’s goodwill ambassadors.
Have you got anything you want to ask Lionel Messi?
Leave your questions below, and remember to tell us where you’re writing in from.
On Twitter
hiii leo..... bst of luk for d arsenal match......em one of ur biggest fans!!!
How many time that fifa give u awad or world foot baller
Im one of the biggest fans and my daughter that is 3 wants to meet you 2 in the U.S.A and FC Barcelona I want to go to Spain to meet him one day he truly is a legend of Futbol and the best player of this time Here from North Carolina
Messi keep scoring! Oklahoma, USA!
Hope you crashed Arsenal again tonight !!!
Hey messi,
Bring better soccer programs to the united states. USA needs better soccer programs. Please help
keep it up lio
My name is lawal qudus,Am from nigeria,lagos state. am 15 yrs of age, am one of ur greatest fan my future dream is 2 be a professional footbal but due 2 maybe am short or i look old in face makes people think am useless,my parents most especially my dad who is a lecture in university of lagos does not like seeing me play ball cuz in my heart i wish 2 change my family name into a great one like u've done even though in my street am always called different kind of nickname most especially 'little messi' cuz when eva am chanced 2 watch ball & i see u play am always happy cuz wat eva way of play u do i put it into practice & am always happy, senior bro i need ur help if is dat u will be giving me tips of advice or if u can help tell d barÇa board 2 open a football academy here in nigeria & if its ur own foundation pls help us cuz many are out there who are looking 4 a way 2 make it through football dat is why am always saving my money to join academy after my waec cuz when eva i play ball i always feel dspirit.
Messi, You rule the world! And i hope barcelona beat arsenal today!
Hey,
You are probably the best player out there but if not you, who according to you is the best player?
Delhi, India
great goals leo!!!!! d first one waZ a stunner & d second clinical ..... vamos leo!!!
Messi,
I cant wait till you guys play U.S.A. on March 26th. Please score a goal for us. From New York, USA.
Hi, Messi
I understand that you have achieved everything that one soccer player could possibly achieve. What motivates you now? New York, USA
Hi, Messi
Thank you for trashing Arsenal again.You are the best!
Hi Leo,
I thank you for your hard effort last night, and thanks to your team mates who contributed immensely to the victory... Please leo, am a footballer and also a live fan of FC BARCELONA, i want you to help me come to come over to Spain and play in Barcelona feeder's team. I love Barcelona and would love to play with their feeder team please i beg of you..
Im a huge Leo Messi fan from Puerto Rico. I would like to ask him if he plans to open an official tweeter account to be connected with his fans like his teammates Pique, Iniesta and Puyol do. (Messi si tienes la oportunidad de leer esto: Gracias por existir, que Dios te bendiga, campeón)
Messi, I'm amazed at your skill! One question: when you point to the sky, what are you pointing to?
Leo are you human ???
Hi Messi, Would you consider coming to Kenya, East Africa to play a charity game with young kids and maybe help build a home for some of the kids with no place to sleep and nothing to eat. Besides, all the Barca fans in Nairobi would simply be blown. And bring all the other 'boys' along as well.
Messi, I consider you greatest footballer of the present day football. Would really love to meet you in person.
How do you manage football and your private life and still remain a simple player with all your great skills?
Go Messi! My son 6 is a HUGE fan!!!! You practically live with us!!! Keep it up.....
Hey Messi,
What is your feelings about sports? Can you train a country like Kenya where I come from. Thanks for your charity work, Thank you for giving kids a chance in education.
Lionel,
You are very humble and a great example to many kids.
What are the main influences on your life in how you chose to behave?
What advice would you give young kids in dealing with the stress and pressures of being a professional footballer?
When the game was played it was 9/3 in Australia – my birthday. Thanks for a great birthday present.
Stephen, 50 +
Sydney, Australia
Lifelong Barca fan
Hi, I believe you are one of the most talented footballer of our times. Irrespective of awards, money and fan following (which by the way includes my sister who is in love with you), feel Leo Messi Foundation will help chidren in far flng areas which UNICEF is not able to cover. There are still million of children in India, bangladesh, burma and so on who might not have even heard about you. Forget UNICEF and any founation, how about you show yourself in such countries, without banners, unsponsered, nothing planned, just show up and play wth kids in slummy streets..i think world will see a different and personal side of Lionnel Messi, which isnt prompted under name of charity...why not leo messi spread smiles on such faces just because of his own sudden presence and smile himself as well – Turkey
Who are you?
Lionel: cual es el mayor riesgo para este equipo no siga triunfando y jugando de la forma que lo hace? Desde Singapur.
What are the most important soccer skills to teach young children? My daughter (9) and son (7) are on teams and I am one of the coaches. Hoping Barca win the treble this year!
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
What are the most important soccer skills to teach young children? My daughter (9) and son (7) are on teams and I am one of the coaches. Hoping Barca win the treble this year!
Baltimore, USA
What motivates you to work hard at every training session you attend? What goes through your head, what music do you listen to, prayers you say, things you talk about?...things of that sort
Washington DC!
– Would you ever leave Barcelona FC ? (not that we want you to !)
– Were you sincerely surprised when you won your second Ballon D'Or ?
– You're still very young but have won every major competition with FC Barcelona, what still motivates you ? Winning the World Cup with Argentina ?
Arno Pareja – Paris, France
Leo, I've been following you quite a while. I am always amazed by what you can do on and off the pitch. Your life story is also quite amazing. You are a true class act!
Do you have any books out or anything? I would really enjoy reading something about your life from your point of view.
Good luck this year and hopefully one day I can meet you.
BARCA, BARCA, BAARRRRCCAA!!!
From Dallas, Tx
I always thirsty to watch Barcelona's match and I wish you and Barcelona to be the winner for the champions league title this year. Baravo Messi Bravo Barcelona.........
I always thirsty to watch Barcelona's match and I wish you and Barcelona to be the winner for the champions league title this year. Baravo Messi Bravo Barcelona......from Adnan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Hola guapo,
you will remain the best as far as football is concern. please bring your football academic in Nigeria because i am one of your fans in malaga, Spain.
i really love watching Messi's style, so humble and friendly person. but the most i llike him is he has a big heart with his Leo Messi foundation helping the less privilege for education and access to health care. May he will visit and extend help to our poor children in the Philippines.Also may your talent in soccer be an example to all specially to AZKAL team in the Philippines. BRAVO Messi. GOD BLESS...
What do you think of the decision to award the next 2 World Cups to Russia and Qatar?
Hey messi
I hope i get to see you in the USA vs Argentina game it wont be the same with out you.
From New York!
Leo eres Grande!!!, you inspire little boys all over the world to love "futbol", thanks to you my little nephew and his friends are soccer lovers, keeping them away from TV and Video Games!, So, can you share with them any thought that you had when you were 8?, Gracias!, A Southamerican in Phoenix!
I once told a couple of friends of mine that you will surpass Ronaldinho but they just laughed it off, matter of fact i'm wearing Dinho's jersey right now coz its not easy to find an a MESSI authentic jersey in Uganda but hey the sky is the limit and one thing i respect about you is you trust GOD in every move on the ball
Messiless! I wish u all d best as you play on. Players like you light up the game!
Leo, having overcome your hormone illness at such a young age, to go on to become the greatest football player on Earth, what advice do you give to young athlete of similar situations (who have a physical ailment) ?
messi u are the best hope u can stay healthy for many more years to come..from barbados
Hi Messi,hope you are fine.im Noel writing to you from kuwait,im a big fan for FC barcelona and i was hoping in the near future to be a player of this club,i was inspired by the way you play football and its changed my views towards football,i used to dislike football but in this 2010 world cup,the games played inspired me and i got addicted to football very much, i hope you get this message and reply to me as soon as you can,from your friend Noel Khan
i love messi
Hey Messi
are you still in Barcelona because of what they did to help you or you long to play else where but you're held back against your will to FC Barcelona?
Who in your opinion is the greatest sportsman ever?
Hola Messi, te admiro muchisimo y eres un orgullo para todos los latinos que seguimos muy de cerca este maravilloso deporte. Mi pregunta es la siguiente, tu crees que fue un error haber contratado a Diego para dirigir la seleccion nacional en el ultimo mundial? o se le debe de dar otra oportunidad? ya que nadie quiere hablar de Maradona.
un Saludo
I am a fans of FC barcelona, Just because they have players like Messi, Niesta, chave and others`who perform like super heros but are very humble and behave like common people. Wish them to be always in this beautiful game of football, setting examples for younger to follow
Hola Leo! Greetings from a Canadian fan in Buenos Aires! I'm a sixteen year old who is constantly being told that I'll never make any professional football team. I'm not expecting to, but I was just wondering what advice you would give to an aspiring young athlete who wishes to one day make it in a great sport such as football... Thanks! Sos una inspiracion brillante!
How do you play so fearless ?
not picking yourself, who is, in your opinion, the best striker and midfielder in the game right now? what do you do when you are not playing, practicing futbol?
Leo: with all the talent and star-names within the Argentinian national team, how come you failed to reach your Barcelona-Level at the WC?
and when you look back, what does the match against Germany mean to you?
Best of luck,
W.A
from California
Are you ever amazed with your success?
What is your crowning achievement?
All the best!
SPeaking strictly from a futbol perspective, u have made the game an enjoyment for me to watch. The competetiveness alnog with the creativity and passion Messi brings to the field is something that other sports figures throughout the world lack. It brightens my day when I have a chance to watch FC BArca, as I am in Queens, NY, in the afternoons. A total team oriented game lead by the greatest playa, or soon to be, who stepped foot on a futbol field.
Many athletes have pre game routines, I was wondering if you had one before facing an opponent, or a certain team/rival?
Lio, you are a very fine example for today youth. Congratulations and simple put: Best player of the World!
Hi Leo,
You do the Sign of the Cross to celebrate every goal. How important is your faith to your successes?
Senor Messi, I love to watch you play because you are clever and creative about making opportunities to score where other players might not see them. Do you think that is something you would be able to teach others if you ever become a coach?
By the way, I also appreciate the fact that you are a very clean player. It is much more fun to watch a game that is won or lost on skill and heart rather than intimidation.
hey come to st. louis, mo usa to see me!!! u rock
What are you doing to help kids in your native Rosario?
Hi, Leo,
I have 3 questions for you:
1. During last year World Cup there were a couple of major referee errors. Do you see any solutions to correct these mistakes in the future? Could these obviously bad decisions be avoided through the use of technology?
2. We know about the fabulous amount of money involved in soccer. Isn't too much money? Hadn't the soccer lost its beauty because of this huge amount of money?
3. Can you name the first 3 soccer players of all times (in your opinion) and the reason for your choice?
Thanks for taking time to talk to us.
Best.
Adrian (Romania)
Hi Messi, I'm a major fan of yours from Singapore.
I was wondering about your opinion on whether or not Guardiola should prioritize promoting youth team players or buying players from other clubs.
Who do you look up to?
James from London
Hi! Thanks for taking our questions! 😀
What do you think of Cristiano Ronaldo as a person (on and off the field) and as a player?
Andrew
Taipei, Taiwan
Leo: Felicitaciones por todos los exitos de tu carrera. Entiendo la manera de tocar la pelota del Barca y me gusta mucho, pero no se le podria anadir los tiros de media distancia de Adriano, Iniesta, Xavi un poco mas? El unico que veo hacerlo es a Dani Alves, Pedro y muy de vez en cuando Mascherano. A veces veo que ellos son timoratos para patear a la puerta. De todas formas: Sigue con tu buen trabajo. Todos en casa te queremos. Visca el Barca!!!
Lio, after the bitter loses of worldcup 2006 and 2010, will anything but a championship on home soil be considered success for Copa America?
also, if you had to choose, would you pick winning champion's league and la liga with barcelona or copa america with argentina?
Hello Lionel Messi and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Lionel Messi on the following questions:
– How will FC Barcelona Improve our world?
– What can we expect from you in 2011?
I am awaiting Lionel Messi’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Nativity country: Suriname
While you are still young, only 23, what is the proudest moment of your life so far? Indiana, United States.
Hola Messi,
Gracias for your brilliant performance against Arsenal last night!
1. What are your views on the Messi-Villa-Pedro trident? Do you think David Villa has fully adapted yet?
2. Do you do anything special in practice to make you such a special player?
3. Who curses most or uses the most bad words during games?
Good luck with Barca & Argentina!!! Hope to see you in the U.S. this summer!
Hola Messi,
Gracias for your brilliant performance against Arsenal last night!
1. What are your views on the Messi-Villa-Pedro trident? Do you think David Villa has fully adapted yet?
2. Do you do anything special in practice to make you such a special player?
3. Who curses most or uses the most bad words during games?
Good luck with Barca & Argentina!!! Hope to see you in the U.S. this summer!
– from San Francisco, California
Messi sounds like messy. but this guy is super-clean – both in his goals and character. Messi, who is your hero, who is your mentor?
Mlayashabangei, Tanzania
Hey there Messi, do you ever plan anything? or is everything you do spontaneous?
Also what keeps your spirits up for you to produce such brilliant performances every time?
Vancouver, CA.
Would you ever consider playing for an Argentine team? Have you ever talked with other futbol stars from Argentina about playing for a club here? The atmosphere here is the best in the world, but the quality of the game is lacking at times. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hi,
I am from Trinidad and Tobago and I just wanted to find out if Lionel Messi ever gets tired of playing football. It seems to me that you play every minute of every game which is played by Barcelona.Congrats to the most talented footballer in the world.
Thanks.
Leo, Saludos desde Costa Rica! Tenés la expectativa de hacer toda tu carrera en el F.C.B? De ser así, creés que logrés romper el record de goles en Liga de Cesar? Espero que podás jugar el amistoso de la Albicesete contra Costa Rica! Un abrazo...
Leo, Best regards from Costa Rica! Do you expect to play your whole career for F.C.B? If so, do believe you will beat Cesar Rodriguez's record as F.C.B.'s all time top scorer in La Liga?
At Barcelona, you have a mobile set of defensive backs that support the team's attack and still play effective defense. Argentina has, for the most part, been missing players for these two key positions, so much so that central defenders and midfielders were used in the World Cup in these positions.
How will Argentina adjust it's offense to help make sure you get enough movement with and around you in the upcoming Copa America?
Good luck in the Copa America.
You've recently played better with Barça than with Argentina's national team. Ever considered applying for the Spanish nationality and playing with Spain in the future?
What, if anything (besides uniforms), will change with July 1, 2001 when Qatar Foundation becomes co-sponsor with UNICEF? What will the new funds be allocated for? What is your opinion?
-Clark Woodard
Barcelona, Spain by way of Chapel Hill, NC
He is a great player, my question is why he scores all the time with Barca but not when he plays for his national team: Argentina ?
Thanks, Pablo
Lio: First of all, congratulations on your incredible playing form.
Question: Do you have a workout routine apart from the soccer excercises and trainings?
Greetings from Guatemala!
Lio Messi! The Best of the World
How about coming to the Cayman Islands to take part if a fundraising match for a non-profit organization?
Honorable Messi,
I'm writing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and want to know how you think the national team will fare in the next World Cup under a new coach and with a younger squad? Keep making our nation proud!
Respectfully,
Amory Brandon
I just wanted to emphasize the human qualities of Leonel who make him very different and much superior to Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo or many other very well known world players. May be Zenedine Zidane approaches a little such quality, nonobstant he was not able ignore the provocation he was victim at 2006 final, in Germany. Good luck Messy.
What would you have been, if you weren't a footballer?
What is your favourite food?
Leo, going into next season, what do you think are the positions of the Barca squad that need strenghtening? Also, what is your favorite moment in your career so far?
Would you ever play for another club other than Barca?
Leo,
What is your favorite goal/play/player from history?
From Chicago
All the Personal & League Titles are Noting against Winning the Football World Cup.
Can You inspire Your Argentian Team in 2014 World Cup in Brazil
Like Maradona did in 1986 World Cup in Mexico?.
Tough You have amazing ability to score goals.
Best Of Luck...
Dear Mecci,
Thank God for making you the best footballer in your generation, i also appreciate your charity initiative for the less previleged, i use this medium to plead that extend you hand of charity to Africa especially war torn countries where social ammenities is highly needed though those could be ssen as Governmental issues.But i plead with those who are opportuned and has the fear of God to expend your love for helping the less previlleged down to Africa, i am an African a Nigerian nationality resident in South Africa.
May the good Lord we serve continue to use you as a blessing to others and continue to polish your leathal boot for more goals and victories.
He will continue to guard and protect you in Jesus Mighthy name, Amen.
Hi Messi! Who is the toughest goalkeeper you've ever gone up against? From Cerdanyola, Spain!
How would you describe and rate the teenage football training programme at Barcalona and what makes it special and unique to other training programmes around the world.
Hello Leo,
I am a big fan of Barca, for many years now, and visited the Camp Nou some years ago. Unfortunately, during my 2 weeks stay in Barcelona there was no game played.
I want to invite you to visit Israel (The Holy Land). I am sure it will be a great experience for you. You are the best player in the best team and I wish you many more years of success, enjoyment and important charity work.
Viscu Barca!
Thanks for crushing arsenal....GREAT GOAL!!!
Please don't stop scoring.........
NIGERIA
Messi, Are you planning to stay with Barcelona?
Messi, how do you survive tackles from other players who are bigger in structure than you? and it seems you dont get tired on the field what keeps you moving on and on and on ? EDWIN ADIYIA- GHANA
U are just too hot to handle..I love ur humility above all..Keep makin people happy.My son jeffry(4yrs) adores you.
Hey Leo
You always seem so composed on the pitch, does the pressure of big match situations get to you at all? How do you manage to be the best player in the world in every game you play when all eyes are on you?!
Your the best player ever! Looking forward to seeing you get better and better!
All the best from Wellington, NZ
U are just too hot to handle..I love ur humility above all..Keep makin people happy.My son jeffry(4yrs) adores you.From Nigeria.
Messi eres un grande! No solamente por lo bien que juegas, pero por tu forma de ser. Los grandes de verdad se manejan con humildad y con sencillez tal como tu. Esto es lo que te hace un fenomeno. No cambies. Que dios te bendiga, te de salud para que puedas seguir jugando para que el mundo vea a un grande en accion por muchos años.
saludos desde Republica Dominicana.
Hi Messi. What motivates you to do well in football and what do you see yourself doing after your football career has ended? Singapore!
Missi really you are a best and best player of the world and no body will become like you and i love you and god bless you .
I request a one thing from you brother , please become a Muslim
that mean come in Islam Please
Your Muslim Brother
A.A.Saudagar
If you had to pick another club to play later during your career, would it be going back to Newell's Old Boys, going to another club, or staying in Barcelona? Explain why.
Ohio, USA
Hey Messi i am a huge fan of yours. my one question is
-when you point to the heavens after a goal, what are you pointing to?
Hola Messi.
I have been watching football since the mid 1980s and watched Maradona play in the 1986 world cup in Mexico. I have read and listened to people comment that in the 1980s the football was much rougher or physical such as tackles from behind. Today the players are better protected and allow referees to penalise harsh tackles. However the pace of the game has quickened. Today people compare you to Maradona, that you are the next Maradona. Even Diego himself says you are like him. Since you are currently playing today, what would you say to the idea Maradona could have been even better playing today than back in the 80s? Juancito, Australia
hey leo!...congrts on your spectacular performance for barcalona!.....man i'm such a huge fan of your team and you......i would like to know if you're ever gonna be visiting our small island of trinidad and tobago?....and how do you do it man?.....when you play those matches....you're AMAZING
Hi Dear LEO
You are such a DELIGHT TO WATCH but you should not be so MODEST celebrating your brilliant achievements, MIND YOU I LOVE YOU FOR IT!!!
You are SIMPLY THE BEST.
Hey Leo Messi, I am huge fan and I wanted to know what drives you to be the player that you are today. Is there a particular person or persons that drives. Or do you simply do it for the love of the game?
how much did barca pay to get rvp sent off
Hi Messi.i`m one of your favourate & u`re playing fantastic football & i`m also a supporter of ur team Barcelona.i just want to know if u`re married or not & what do you think about standard of football in South africa compare to Spain or Europe
hi messi,
i dont know what to say am really amaze of your wonderfull works in the team and all the player of the team.what i would like to tell you is that you most stay close to God,the one that gave you this talent,and also u need jesus in your life.If you already have jesus christ,the sky is not your limit.danke.writting you from germany.
Stay how you are .. Keep your health points to leave Barcelona
Safed, Israel
When you were young, who did you look up to in the world of soccer?
I would like to invite you to Kenya as a guest of a football tournament during your break in football matches. You are the greatest. Arsenal players and fans really need to bow to the King
Hi Messi, i edge u to bring fatasticsoccer to Africa also so we can also benefit from it.U just too difficult to be handed with,the best player ever.Keep on doing the tremedeous magic for my team.Oseeeeeeeeeeey barca no size.Tanx for the great talent.
Charley Messi u are toooooooo much.From Ghana.
hi leo,i know you are the best player in the world and barcelona is the greatest team on the planet.you have handled your self well regardless of your talents which i dare say is uncomparable.how do you handle the pressure and the attention?
how long are you going to play fotr Barca and what team will you go to
Dear Messi,
you are simply the best – like it! Real nice and calm when in action. How do u feel become that rich with everything around u? If I were u (only dreamt) I would like to help people suffered from hunger.. Will u?
Cheers
Nita
Loosing the particular Cristiano Ronaldo from your Premiership may alone increase the risk for income involving shirts decrease and since regarding the globe document price tag this individual quickly …Cristiano Ronaldo hot