Ronaldinho was ahead of the curve when it comes to Lioneo messi

While the Argentine was revered as a potential superstar in the early 2000s, no one really believed he’d go on to become arguably the greatest footballer in history.

But Ronaldinho was acutely aware of the outrageous talent Barcelona had on their hands, despite the fact he was so small in stature during those days progressing through the famous La Masia academy.

Messi made his Barcelona debut in 2004 at the age of just 16 and played alongside Ronaldinho for a number years, often to devastating effect.

Yes, it’s true we saw the very best of Messi at the Catalan side AFTER the Brazilian’s departure in 2008, but they were still a deadly duo.

Ronaldinho was the man who laid the platform for success with his mercurial greatness – and then the 2022 World Cup winner took it to scary new heights.

It’s a well-known fact that Ronaldinho and Messi remain close friends, something which was further highlighted when the former wrote a “letter to his younger self”.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 30: Ronaldinho of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad, on October 30, 2005 at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Luis Bagu/Getty Images)

In 2017, the Brazil icon teamed up with The Players’ Tribune to create the brilliant piece which aptly started with: “Dear eight-year-old Ronaldinho…”

At the end of the emotional and informative letter, Ronaldinho touched on Messi and the continuation of his legacy at Barcelona.

And the words are just so, so beautiful.

What did Ronaldinho write about Messi in his letter?

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – DECEMBER 4: Lionel Messi (L) and Ronaldinho of Barcelona celebrate after beating Villarreal 2-0 during the Primera Liga match between Villarreal and F.C. Barcelona on December 4 2005 at the Madrigal stadium in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“At Barcelona, you’ll hear about this kid on the youth team. He wears number 10 like you. He’s small like you. He plays with the ball like you. You and your teammates will go watch him play for Barcelona’s youth squad, and at that moment you’ll know he’s going to be more than a great footballer. The kid is different. His name is Leo Messi.

“You’ll tell the coaches to bring him up to play with you on the senior side. When he arrives, the Barcelona players will be talking about him like the Brazilian players were talking about you.

“I want you to give him one piece of advice.

“Tell him, ‘Play with happiness. Play free. Just play with the ball.’

“Even when you are gone, the free style will live on in Barcelona through Messi.”

Right, who’s cutting onions then?!

Ronaldinho is a bona fide Messi superfan and was even “very happy” that the great man lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar to further enhance his ‘GOAT’ status.

“He was missing it,”Ronaldinho said”The truth is that nobody imagined him outside of Barca, but things happen in football. Now he must continue.”