Former Barcelona Teammate Rethinks First Impression of Lionel Messi

Henrik Larsson Remembers First Encounter with Lionel Messi at Barcelona

In a recent interview on The Overlap, Larsson shared his memories, saying, “Messi wasn’t in the squad during my first year. But in my second year, during pre-season in Japan, I saw him on the flight, but I didn’t think much of it. Then, in practice, I asked Giovanni [van Bronckhorst], ‘Who is that?’”

At the time, Messi was starting to train regularly with Barcelona’s senior team under Frank Rijkaard. Many older players were beginning to realize the immense talent coming from the club’s youth academy.

Messi made his debut for the first team in 2004 and scored his first La Liga goal in 2005. Within a few years, the young player Larsson barely noticed would become central to Barcelona’s success, winning multiple Ballon d’Or awards and setting numerous records in football.

Henrik Larsson on Messi Surpassing Ronaldinho

Reflecting on those early days, Larsson admitted, “No, I couldn’t see it. Everybody knew Ronaldinho. I played with him, and he was the best.”

“He had incredible skills with the ball and was very effective. I didn’t anticipate Messi being that good. He had the technique, the speed, the left foot—everything was there, but for me, it was hard to envision anyone surpassing Ronaldinho,” he concluded.

Larsson’s view echoes many players from that time, when Ronaldinho’s extraordinary talent ruled football.

Few expected that the quiet Argentine teenager with quick feet and a low center of gravity would eventually outshine even the Brazilian star at Barcelona.

The young forward, who initially went unnoticed, became the heart of Barcelona, leading them to Champions League titles and breaking almost every major record in the sport.