Lionel Messi has struck fear into opposing players throughout his career and footage of the Argentine legend as a youngster proves he was always destined for greatness. Watch the video below:
Messi, who turned 35 on Friday, is arguably the greatest footballer in history, having won the Ballon d'Or a record seven times.
Advert
The Paris Saint-Germain star has scored an otherworldly 769 goals in 974 games in club football, the vast majority of which came during his unforgettable 17-year spell with Barcelona.
For Messi, it all began back in his native Argentina with his local side Grandoli.
He would later join Newell's Old Boys, where he was filmed bamboozling the opposition at the age of just seven.
Messi's quick turn of pace, excellent first touch and deadly finishing skills are all evident in the clip.
Advert
The first man to coach Messi, Salvador Aparicio, once broke down in tears when recalling the first time he saw the Argentine play.
"Messi and his family once came to watch the match," Aparicio said.
"His brothers played here. I was one player short, so I told Messi to come to play.
Advert
"He was small. Very small. First time the ball came to him and basically hit his left leg.
"The second time, he controlled the ball and started running across the pitch. He dribbled past everyone crossing his path."
"He scored six or seven goals in every match... He was supernatural, simply put."
Such are the high standards we've come to expect from Messi, his first season at PSG has been viewed as a major disappointment after he managed just 11 goals in 34 games.
Advert
However, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi believes Messi will be back to his unstoppable best next season.
"There is no doubt that Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or a record seven times, and it was not his best season," Al-Khelaifi told Le Parisien.
"But after more than 20 years in Barcelona, he discovered a new country, a new city, a new league, a new team. A new culture. As well as his family, and he was injured also by the coronavirus
Advert
"It was not easy for Messi last season, but next season we will see the best version of Messi ever."
Given the talent Messi possesses, you wouldn't bet against it.
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Football
Rory O'Callaghan