"When you see him, you need 10 minutes to say 'this is not normal'" - Ex-Barcelona coach recalls Lionel Messi's first training session at club
Former Barcelona U-18 coach Sergio Lobera has recalled the first time he saw Lionel Messi at training. The Spanish tactician stated that it took only ten minutes at that time to realize that Messi was an extraordinary talent.
Despite being smaller in size compared to other players in the academy, the Argentine attacker made a difference with his skills. Lobera told Spanish newspaper Brand (via Noticias ao Minuto):
"I remember perfectly the first day when Messi arrived and went on the pitch to train. When you see him, you need ten minutes to say 'This is not normal'. He is a player who picks up the ball and makes a difference. He was very small, compared to the others, but different."
Lionel Messi joined Barcelona's youth academy in 2000 from the Argentine side Newell's Old Boys. After playing in La Masia and representing the youth teams of La Blaugrana, Messi made his senior debut in October 2004.
The Argentine superstar spent more than two decades at the Catalan club, making 778 first-team appearances, scoring 672 goals and providing 303 assists. He left the LaLiga giants in August 2021 due to financial constraints faced by the club. Nevertheless, he left as Barcelona and LaLiga's all-time top goalscorer.
Newell's Old Boys chief talks about Lionel Messi's return to Argentina
Newell's Old Boys president Ignacio Astore believes that Lionel Messi wishes to join his boyhood club after his contract with Inter Miami expires. The Argentine attacker is in his last year of contract with the Herons, and talks over an extension are reportedly stalling.
Astore told TyC Sports that he hasn't spoken to the former Barcelona attacker about his contract situation with the MLS side. However, he is aware of Messi's admiration for the club and desire to return. He said (via GOAL):
"It's something he has to decide. I haven't spoken to the player. I don't think it's appropriate to speak to him because it would put him in an awkward position. Maybe he has a contract, maybe he feels it's not the right time, maybe he has other family commitments... I know the appreciation he has for the instruction and how much he wants to come."
Messi never made a first-team appearance for Newell's Old Boys but played for their youth side from 1995 to 2000 before joining Barcelona.
