Lio's First

May 1, 2005... FC Barcelona vs Albacete at Camp Nou for La Liga. Messi came on as a substitute (17-year-old kid). He received a delicate chipped pass from Ronaldinho, lifted the ball over the goalkeeper with a calm finish. Ruled out for offside. Minutes later, the same play happens again... this time it counts. A chipped finish. Composed. Effortless.

After scoring, Messi runs off, jumps on Ronaldinho's back in celebration. It’s one of the most poetic images in football history... the smiling king carrying the future king.