Twenty years ago to the day, Lionel Messi played his first match in the Spanish league with Barça . It was October 16, 2004, and that match would be the first of a long career punctuated by eight Ballon d'Or awards, an absolute record, a World Cup, and countless other titles. Despite the incredible destiny of this extraordinary player, things haven't always been easy for Leo Messi, who even had to take growth hormones when he was younger, without which he wouldn't have become the star he is today. He confessed this to us when we met him in 2009 in Sant Joan Despi, Spain, when he wasn't yet the immense star he is today. To mark the 20th anniversary of his first La Liga match with Barça, rediscover this iconic interview…
Interview: Who do you think is the best player in the world? Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi: (Laughs ) If there is one footballer for whom I would pay my ticket to go see one of his matches, it is Cristiano Ronaldo! That said, I do not systematically run after the Ballon d'Or...
We can doubt it…
I repeat, I do not play for personal titles. Football is a team sport and we are living proof of that. A club that pays the best player in the world, if he is surrounded by mediocre teammates, is not going to win everything either.
If a very wealthy club like Manchester City offered you a golden bridge, would you refuse?
Success is one of the few things that cannot be bought. Despite their enormous financial resources, Manchester City will never have the greatness of Barcelona. At the very least, they will have to be very, very patient! (Laughs )
Which means you'll never change clubs?
I am viscerally attached to Barça. I owe them a lot and staying as long as possible is a way to pay my debt…
What debt?
At age 10, I was diagnosed with a hormonal disorder. And without growth hormone treatment, I would never have grown taller than 1,50'XNUMX" as an adult.
However, growth hormones are found in Argentina... Did you have to wait until you were at Barça to receive medication?
In Argentina, there was the economic crisis at the time. No club there wanted to commit to spending a fortune to provide me with growth hormones (In fact, the treatment cost the equivalent of 750 euros per month, Editor's note:.) Only FC Barcelona agreed to take charge of everything.
What is the thing that surprises you most about Europe?
Without a doubt, the admiration people have for me. There are guys who sleep in front of the Camp Nou just to see me cross the street. It's crazy!
And what do women do?
Women throw themselves at me! Yet, I am far from being a sex symbol! ( Laughs ) There was even one who jumped from the stands to kiss me.
You trigger the crowds to go wild, like Maradona!
I will never compare myself to him, he is my hero, my idol. Maradona is the best player in history. I am just a footballer!
