On The Athletic’s recent article, Ronaldinho discussed his foresight from two decades ago regarding Lionel Messi, who has now clinched his eighth Golden Ball award.
During Messi’s early days at Barca, Ronaldinho showed his support by carrying Messi on his shoulders after he scored his first goal in La Liga in 2005. Fast forward to the summer of 2006, when Ronaldinho, fresh off winning the Champions League and La Liga, visited Kobe Bryant in the US with a young Messi in tow. Ronaldinho confidently proclaimed Messi as the future greatest football player, a statement that not many took seriously at the time.
Despite doubts from others, Ronaldinho had a strong belief in Messi’s potential. He followed Messi’s progress closely and even acted as a mentor to him during his early years at Barca. When Pep Guardiola took over as coach and made the decision to sell Ronaldinho in order to prioritize Messi’s development, it marked the end of an era but also paved the way for Messi’s rise to greatness.
Their friendship and bond remained strong even after they went their separate ways, with Ronaldinho’s influence on Messi’s career undeniable. The Brazilian star played a crucial role in shaping Messi’s early years and laying the foundation for his future success.
Ronaldinho and Eto’o provided support to Messi after he was fouled during a Champions League match when he was just 16 years old, looking like a child. Ronaldinho’s account of watching the youth team play turned out to be true when they witnessed Messi’s incredible talent. Ludovic Giuly described him as an “alien” and predicted that he would surpass all of them.
Henrik Larsson, who was watching the youth team play that day, was amazed by Messi’s skills and talent, despite previously believing Ronaldinho was the most exceptional player. Barca coach Rijkaard was convinced to let Messi join the first team regularly after recommendations from players and coaches alike. Messi made his debut for Barca against Espanyol in October 2004 at the age of 17.
Despite his brilliance on the field, Messi was quiet and reserved off the pitch. Ronaldinho took him under his wing, making him feel welcome and less shy. He ensured Messi sat next to him in the dressing room and invited him to join the Brazilian table during dinners, jokingly calling him the only Argentine allowed to do so.
Ronaldinho treated Messi like a younger brother, trying to relieve the pressure of integrating into a team of older players. Larsson noted that Messi felt respected when Ronaldinho involved him in conversations. Similarly, Maxi Lopez assured Messi of his support when he first arrived at Barca, demonstrating the humility of the team’s superstars.
Ronaldinho’s advice to Messi was simple: play with joy and freedom. Messi tries to emulate Ronaldinho’s approach by focusing on having fun while playing. For Messi, soccer brings him happiness, and he aims to maintain that joy throughout his career.
Ronaldinho and Messi were spotted together during a training session at Barca, showing a glimpse of their special bond. Gradually, Rijkaard allowed Messi more playing time with the first team during the 2004-2005 season. Despite facing injuries, Messi made his mark in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk. In a match against Albacete, Ronaldinho assisted Messi in scoring a goal, only to have it disallowed due to offside. Undeterred, they tried again, and this time Messi successfully scored with Ronaldinho’s help.
The duo celebrated the goal, marking a significant moment for Ronaldinho as he saw Messi’s career taking off. They shared a brotherly bond, with Ronaldinho guiding Messi through the complexities of being a top football talent. Ronaldinho, being the outgoing and unconventional one, showed Messi the ropes of the football world. Despite their differing personalities, their relationship blossomed, with Ronaldinho instinctively protecting Messi and helping him navigate the challenges of fame. Messi, on the other hand, appreciates Ronaldinho’s mentorship, attributing their bond to fate. Their friendship is a unique blend of mentorship and camaraderie, making them one of the most iconic duos in football history.
When Ronaldinho and Messi reunited before PSG’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig in October 2021, they shared an intimate hug captured on Instagram. Ronaldinho expressed how football has brought them closer together, reminiscing about the time they spent traveling, playing games, and forming a familial bond. Despite Messi’s reserved nature, the two have always been able to connect, chat, and have fun together, even to this day.
While Messi may have become a phenomenal player on his own, there’s no denying that Ronaldinho played a pivotal role in shaping his early career. When Ronaldinho departed from Barca, Messi stepped into his shoes and took over the team. Ronaldinho’s influence on Messi’s development was undeniable.
“It truly fills me with joy to see my friends achieve their dreams,” Ronaldinho shared. Witnessing Messi’s success brings him great satisfaction and pride.