On this day in 2000, Leo Messi’s Barcelona journey began

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It’s a rather special, special day in footballing folklore – with Lionel Messi’s incredible journey to superstardom with Barcelona beginning on this day eighteen years ago.

The then 13-year-old rocked up at La Masia for a trial from Newell’s Old Boys and immediately impressed all and sundry – with the Catalans pulling out all the stops to sign him on the spot.

The rest is as they say history – with Messi arguably going on to become the greatest player to have ever played the game. His statistics in front of goal? 556 goals in 642 appearances. His contribution to Barcelona and world football as a whole? Immeasurable.

The good news? He’s still only 31.

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