Ronaldinho reflects on the rise of Lionel Messi at Barcelona - 'We always expected he would be the best'

Lionel Messi’s potential to become arguably the greatest footballer of all time was clear for all to see at Barcelona when he emerged as a teenager, according to Ronaldinho.

Messi claimed a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award after helping Argentina end a 36-year wait to lift the World Cup in Qatar last year, scoring two goals in the final and slotting a penalty in the shoot-out, en route to being named the player of the match in the victory over France.

It completed a career resume littered with both individual and team accolades, a career that started in Barcelona’s youth team where he made an immediate impression on some superstars of that generation.

"Me, Deco and the whole team had been following Leo since the youth team, going to watch his games," Ronaldinho told The Athletic.

"We already expected that he would be the best."

Ronaldinho, the 2005 Ballon d’Or recipient, was a key figure for Messi as he climbed the ranks with the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian was at the peak of his powers when Messi was coming through, and despite the pair’s contrasting personalities, took on a mentorship role in the early years.

He sat beside Messi in the locker room, invited him to eat at the ‘Brazilian table’ and helped him remember to always enjoy playing the beautiful game.

"Leo needs no comments," Ronaldinho added. "The only advice I had for him is [to] play with joy and freedom. Just play with the ball at your feet, the rest will come naturally.

"We spent so much time together, travelling and playing games that we become a family, as we are always together, laughing and enjoying.

"He sat next to me in the locker room. Leo has always been more reserved, but we get along well, and to this day, whenever we can see each other, it is a joy."

That joy was clear to see on the pitch. At the age of 17, Frank Rijkaard handed Messi his debut against Espanyol in October 2004 and the rest, as they say, is history.

He scored his first official goal in Barcelona colours against Albacete in May 2005 after a trademark piece of brilliance from Ronaldinho, who flicked the ball over the defence before Messi lobbed the goalkeeper.

It was the first of 672 goals for Messi at Barcelona, and Ronaldinho admits it is "beautiful" to have played a star role at the start of such an iconic story.

"Whenever I remember this moment, it is very special," Ronaldinho said, "because that was where his career began.

"Having the opportunity to participate in the beginning of his story is beautiful. It was something very natural and it filled me with joy to see a young man, my friend, doing well with that first goal.

"And to my happiness and luck, the pass to the goal was mine. It fills me with happiness to know that his first goal came from my feet. This is a memory we will never forget."

More than 18 years on, Messi is still creating memories and lifting trophies. But none were more important than when he achieved his "dream" of guiding Argentina to World Cup glory.

"It’s very rewarding to see friends achieving their dreams," Ronaldinho said. "That truly makes me happy."

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