On this day, 14 years ago a 13-year-old Argentine called Lionel Messi arrived at FC Barcelona.
We all know how far this story has gone, but to celebrate Messi's anniversary here a short overview of his progress at Camp Nou.
At the age of five Messi started playing football for a local club, which was coached by his father, and then joined local power house Newell's Old Boys.
As 11-year-old he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency syndrome and River Plate, who were interested in signing him, were not willing to pay for his treatment ($900 a month).
Messi's family arranged a trial under the eyes of then Barcelona sporting director, Carles Rexach, through relatives in Catalonia. Rexach was so impressed that he famously offered Messi a contract written on a paper napkin.
The Catalan giants paid for Messi's medical bill and he joined La Masia's Under 14s after moving to Spain with his father.
When he was still only 16, Messi made his first team debut in a friendly with Porto and one year later, on 16 October 2004, he made his first appearance in an official match for the club.
Messi went on from becoming the youngest player to ever score a league goal for Barcelona with only 17 years, 10 months and seven day – a record eventually being broken by Bojan – to scoring a club record-breaking of 356 goals for the Blaugrana.
He has won 21 trophies with the Catalan giants and many accolades on personal level, among them four consecutive Ballon d'Ors.
With 245 La Liga goals he is only six goals away from surpassing Telmo Zarra as the most ever prolific goal-scorer in Spain. In addition, he is only two goals away from scoring his 400th career goal for club and country.
Do you think Lionel Messi will finish his career at Barcelona? Have your say in the comment section below.
