It's been 20 years since Lionel Messi arrived in Barcelona

It's been 20 years since Lionel Messi arrived in Barcelona

Así jugaba Messi en sus inicios en La Masia / | Perform

On September 17, 2000, Messi stepped into the Catalan capital for the first time

It was September 17, 2000, and a kid called Lionel Andres Messi stepped foot in Barcelona for the first time, landing after a flight from Rosario. The reason? A trial with Barcelona. It wasn't a romance from the start but Carles Rexach and Josep Maria Minguella insisted that he join with other parts of the club unconvinced. Messi became the best player in the club's history after that, and for many, the best player ever to live.

Messi was 13 when he arrived in the Catalan capital. He spent his first days in the Infantil B category, staying in the Hotel Plaza. Rexach took controlafter his arrival, programming a friendly to see the boys in action. His show was so sublime that Rexach needed few minutes to know that they should sign him.

Pie de foto | AUTOR FOTO

It didn't all go well. Messi's signing was tricky and the family returned to Argentina, but eventually Barca did what they had to do and tied him down. 20 years later, Messi has achievemed more than was ever imagined. Six Ballon d'Ors and so many other trophies, he has changed the game forever.

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