"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

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 literary awards and his works have been translated into more than 15 languages. His first novel to be translated into English, Lost Luggage (Short Books), was released in 2013, and his new collection of short stories, This is Not America, will be published in the US in 2019.

Reviews
"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 "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." Ray Hudson, La Liga commentator


Awards
Short-listed for The Telegraph Sports Award 2019.



Book Information
ISBN 9781780724157
Author Jordi Punti
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Short Books Ltd
Publisher Short Books Ltd