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IN 2000, then FC Barcelona first team director Charlie Rexach noticed a pint sized Argentinian boy impressing coaches during his trial at the club. Influenced by what he too saw Rexach was eager to sign the prodigy knowing full well that the club had a jewel on their hands.
However, the board of directors did not share Rexach’s enthusiasm as it was uncommon for top European teams to sign foreign players at such a young age. Hence this resulted in delays of a contract offer to the parents of the little boy who were desperate for an answer.
This young boy was diagnosed with hormone growth deficiency which complicated matters in contract negotiations. The parents couldn't afford treatment for their child and were hoping the club would absorb the cost for the treatment .
News of the little boy's predicament did not sit well with the Barcelona board but Rexach’s personal assurance proved decisive as the green light was given to sign the little Argentinian.
After finally signing the contract, it only took the boy three years to make his first team debut for Barcelona. That boy went on to play for the Catalan giants 778 times, scoring 672 goals in the process and becoming the club's all-time goalscorer.
In doing that he cemented his name as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, player to have ever graced the game.
Lionel Messi has had what can only be described as an absolutely phenomenal career, winning the La Liga 10 times and the Champions League four times with Barcelona.
Fast forward to the 6th of August 2021. Rumours surfaced the 34-year-old Catalan icon may not be able to extend his contract due to the fact Barcelona were in deep financial straits.
Due to the heavy debts, the club could not offer Messi a new contract resulting in the six-time Ballon D'Or winner leaving Barcelona as a free agent.
On the 8th of August 2021, the Man himself stood before the world at a press conference confirming the news that had taken the sporting world by storm. A teary Messi said “the last few days I have been thinking about what I could say. The truth is that nothing came to me. I was not prepared.”
It will indeed be difficult to picture “Mr. Barcelona” wearing another team's jersey as it was thought throughout the footballing world that his fairytale career would end at at Barcelona but sadly it was not to be.
Barcelona fans will never forget the name Lionel Messi and his contributions to the club and the personal accolades he has won while wearing the colours of the Catalan club. It remains to be seen where the Argentine’s next destination will be. It is reported, though, that PSG are on the verge of signing him. - The Vibes August 9, 2021