In pictures: Lionel Messi, the early years Ollie Irish 1st, December 2009 10 Comments On the day that Lionel Messi was announced as the runaway winner of the 2009 Ballon d’Or, enjoy our Messi gallery, featuring some rare pics of him as a wee bairn: 2813392 ◄ Back Next ► Picture 12 of 12 Not gay at all.