Ronaldinho has now revealed the one important piece of advice he gave Lionel Messi at the beginning of his career at FC Barcelona.
Earlier this week, Messi clinched his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or award, further etching his name into the history books as one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the sport.
Read: The Pope names Messi among three greatest players ever
Now in the twilight of his career, the Argentine's road to the top effectively began at Barcelona's La Masia academy, where he arrived as a young boy and would later be promoted to a senior team littered with stars in 2004, with the first team back then comprising the likes of Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto'o, among many others.
During that time, the Brazilian entertainer was considered by many to be the best footballer in the world, and claimed the 2005 Ballon d'Or award as a result.
He has now insisted that he knew from the start that the wonderkid from Rosario was going to become the game's next big star.
Having begun tracking Messi at youth games, Ronaldinho also revealed the one key piece of advice he had for the then-17-year-old.
"Me, Deco and the whole team had been following Leo since the youth team, going to watch his games," the 2002 FIFA World Cup winner told The Athletic.
"We already expected that he would be the best. Leo needs no comments.
"The only advice I had for him is [to] play with joy and freedom. Just play with the ball at your feet, the rest will come naturally.
"... We spent so much time together, travelling and playing games, that we become a family, as we are always together, laughing and enjoying.
"He sat next to me in the locker room. Leo has always been more reserved, but we get along well, and to this day, whenever we can see each other, it is a joy."
The Selecao icon also revealed what it felt like to lay on the assist for Messi's debut goal for the Blaugrana.
"Whenever I remember this moment, it is very special because that was where his career began," Ronaldinho added.
"Having the opportunity to participate in the beginning of his story is beautiful. It was something very natural and it filled me with joy to see a young man, my friend, doing well with that first goal.
"And to my happiness and luck, the pass to the goal was mine. It fills me with happiness to know that his first goal came from my feet. This is a memory we will never forget."
Read: Messi issues parting message for Haaland & Mbappe
Not only does Messi hold the record for the most appearances by a Barca player, but he is also their all-time top goalscorer with 672 goals in 778 matches.
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