The power of YouTube. I neither play football nor watch matches, so it’s amazing that my son borrowed “Messi’s Magic” due to his addiction to YouTube videos.

Having said that, I think it’s serendipitous that he borrowed it because the World Cup will take place this June. Great timing for him to broaden his horizons and learn about foreign cultures.

I enjoyed this book immensely, particularly because I am preparing the fourth graders for their upcoming test. I noted down pertinent words (e.g. bicycles clattered, his heart fluttered) and collocations (e.g. cooked up a recipe). They would come in handy during revision time.

Many life lessons abound throughout this book. I didn’t know that Messi conscientiously stuck needles into his legs every night to compensate for his small physique. I also didn’t know that his grandmother had died before he achieved success with FC Barcelona. I think his story is a testament to the power of the human spirit. With passion and grit, he overcame adversity to forge a happy life for himself and his family.