Messi Recalls Ronaldinho’s Support During His Early Barcelona Days

Lionel Messi has recalled how Ronaldinho and other senior Barcelona players helped him settle into the first team as a shy 16-year-old. Speaking ahead of receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, Messi said he was nervous about joining a dressing room that included Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, Xavi and Carles Puyol. He said the senior players advised him to ignore their reputations, enjoy football and continue playing with the freedom he had as a child. Messi later became Barcelona’s record goalscorer and won several major trophies with the club.

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