Lionel Messi

Considered to be one of the best soccer players in the world, Lionel Messi celebrates record achievements of 34 trophies, four UEFA Champions League titles, over 700 senior career goals, and receiving the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year in 2020.

Messi has been unstoppable since making his competitive debut at age 17, and yet his passion for the game began much earlier as he played against his two older brothers and cousins, honing his skills with each cross, pass, and tackle. The support he received from his grandma Celia further influenced his path and with each victory you can see him pointing at the sky to honor her.

Messi is also an active philanthropist, serving as the United Nations Children’s Fund goodwill ambassador as well as supporting access to health care, education, and sports for children through the Leo Messi Foundation.

He is an example to startups to keep pushing forward and giving back no matter what the circumstance. Adversity will always present itself, but a successful startup will use those challenges to show just how unstoppable they are and create ways in which to fully contribute and execute their innovative ideas.