Lionel Messi was so talented that his abilities shone through despite his lack of physicality. The Argentine came through the ranks at Barcelona, and although the Barcelona team was filled with world-class stars like Ronaldinho, Xavi, Deco, and Iniesta, Messi stood out and didn’t find it difficult to break into the first team full of stars.
One person Messi looked up to as a young player was Ronaldinho. The Brazilian was at the peak of his career but paid attention to his surroundings, particularly Messi. On one occasion, the World Cup winner didn’t hesitate to introduce a young Messi to the late NBA star Kobe Bryant.
Ronaldinho once introduced young Lionel Messi to Kobe Bryant
Ronaldinho was one of the best players in his days. The talented Brazilian was famous for what he could do with the ball at his feet, with many claiming he’s still the most skilful player the game has ever seen. As talented as Ronaldinho was, he saw a more talented play coming through the ranks at Barcelona, and during a visit to his friend Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, the former Barcelona playmaker told the basketball legend all he needed to know about the young Argentine.
In an old interview, the late Kobe Bryant revealed how Ronaldinho introduced Lionel Messi to him, claiming he was the “best.” “Ronaldinho, who was a good friend, I was talking with him, and he told me, ‘Kobe, look, I’m going to introduce you to the guy who is going to be the greatest player of all time. I said, ‘You what? You are the best.’ But he said, ‘No, no. This kid right here is going to be the best.’ And that guy was Lionel Messi, who was only 17,” Kobe narrated.
At 36, Messi has incredibly lived up to Ronaldinho’s prediction, completing football last December when he won the World Cup with his beloved Argentina.
When Kobe Bryant and Lionel Messi filmed a Turkish airline commercial in 2012
As fate would have it, Lionel Messi and Kobe Bryant appeared in a commercial for Turkish Airlines in 2012. By then, Messi had won 4 Ballon d’Ors, establishing himself as one of the greatest soccer players ever. In the commercial video, Messi and Kobe tried to impress a young boy who was happy to meet his idols.
Messi has gone on to achieve a god-like status in the sport since then, winning three more Ballon d’Ors and a World Cup with Argentina. The former Barcelona captain now plays in the MLS for Inter Miami, where he has helped the club’s win record since joining in July.
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