These Lionel Messi scout reports from La Masia during his trial with Barcelona in 2000 👀
26 years later Messi retired a legend of the Argentine national team and is considered the best player in the history of football...
via France Football.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Toni Freixa (former Barça board member): "Within a year and a half, there will be a Barcelona FAREWELL ceremony for Leo Messi, at the Camp Nou."
"This is something that is confirmed."
Lionel Messi’s reaction to being called the greatest player in the world is a masterclass in relentless humility.
During a 2013 interview with veteran journalist Bob Simon, Messi was pressed on the joy his individual brilliance brings to millions. Instead of embracing his own mythology, he immediately deflected the spotlight to the collective: “I think that everybody gets joy, not just because of me, but because of this Barca team that's been winning and playing so well lately.”
Even when pushed further on the sheer magnitude of global praise, he refused to elevate himself to the status of an untouchable god. Anchored by quiet appreciation rather than arrogance, he acknowledged the adulation by simply stating he is “very grateful and happy” and that the praise is “obviously a wonderful thing.”
While the rest of the footballing world desperately tries to worship him, Messi fundamentally views himself as just one gear in a collective machine.
🚨 BREAKING: There will be a fixed camera on Lionel Messi and Messi alone for complete 90 minutes on October 6th.
Every touch he has on the ball will be documented into the history book for life.