translated from Spanish: Lionel Messi and Barcelona, a love that turns 20

Twenty years ago, the life of Lionel Messi and Barcelona came forever. Yes, forever, even though weeks ago he was about to break the failed exit of the footballer, who finally decided to stay. It is that on September 17, 2000, at the age of 13, the Flea arrived in the Catalan city to start writing a story that surpassed even his own dreams. Accompanied by his family, rosario’s native impressed former footballer and coach Carles Rexach, who improvised a kind of contract on a napkin that would end up marking the institution’s history. Messi began training in La Masia – as the inferiors of the Blaugrana club are called – while continued his growth treatment. As a child, the one that emerged in Newell’s stood out among his peers and proved his quality as he jumped through the ranks. At the age of 17, Leo made his official debut in the first team in Barcelona and, from there, everything that came next is known history: he became one of the best football players of all time, he is the top scorer of the club and the Spanish League, and he won all the titles ever and for having. Although the last few years were not the happiest, Messi himself was clear in defining what the club means to him. “I would never go to trial against Barsa because it’s the club I love, which gave me everything since I arrived, it’s the club of my life,” he said, announcing that he was staying to continue a relationship that is now his 20th birthday. And counting…

Original source in Spanish