Lionel Messi revealed the Barcelona player he 'couldn't look in the eye' after he walked into the dressing room for the first time

Lionel Messi had already won two La Liga titles in 2007 and had established himself as one of the best young talents in world football.

However, when he walked into the Barcelona dressing room that summer, he still felt out of place as he recalled the arrival of another superstar to the Nou Camp.

Since then, Messi has won everything in the game, and is regarded by most as the best ever player. Currently in his second full season at Inter Miami, Messi's powers are showing no signs of slowing as he has 16 goals and eight assists from 17 MLS appearances. Miami are fifth in the Western Conference after winning the Supporters' Shield last season, albeit with three games in hand over their title rivals having played at the Club World Cup.

Messi is still scoring with ease for Inter Miami at the age of 38

Nowadays, teammates and opponents fawn over Messi, but back in 2007 he recalled being in awe at the arrival of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to Barcelona's all-conquering side who would appoint Pep Guardiola the following year.

Speaking in 2020, Messi told L'Equipe (via the Sun): "The first day he entered the dressing room, I didn't dare look at his face.

"I knew everything he had done in England. I had a picture of him made and suddenly we were on the same team. What I feel for Titi is best described as admiration. I loved Henry's ease at finishing his chances, as he takes the path to goal and ends the play.

Messi and Henry won the Champions League together in 2009 at Barcelona.

"He gives the impression that it is natural. His movement, his dribbling, the shot - it is all fluid."

Henry and Messi enjoyed a fine relationship on the pitch and have praised each other in the following years. And they may be in touch this weekend as Messi takes on Henry's former side New York Red Bulls in their bid to climb back up the MLS table.

In 2016, Henry said of Messi: "Sometimes I ask myself if Messi is human. I have seen him doing stuff in training and it is just amazing. When he gets upset, he runs around the whole team.

"There is nothing you can do. When you have Leo Messi it is a big advantage. When you have that man in your side, anything can happen."