Published 19:12 IST, October 16th 2019
Lionel Messi's debut season at Barcelona and the star's journey
On this day in 2004, Lionel Messi made his Barcelona debut vs Espanyol. Read more to find out about how the Barca No.10 carried himself through the years.
On October 16, 2004, Barcelona defeated Espanyol 1-0 at the RCDE Stadium and it so happens that a certain Lionel Messi made his professional debut for the club on the day. The Argentine forward joined the club in 2001 and rapidly progressed through the youth team. Lionel Messi made his Barcelona debut on October 16, 2004, in the clash where Barca defeated Espanyol at the RCDE stadium. The King of Barcelona joined the club in 2001 and never looked back since then.
Lionel Messi's Barcelona debut
Lionel Messi only featured for Barcelona's second team on limited occasions in the Segunda Division B but managed to spark in front of Frank Rijkaard in training. Rijkaard pushed the then 17-year-old on the bench against Espanyol and Messi entered the match in place of Deco with in the last eight minutes of the clash. "It is a very important date with regard to my career," Messi said to Barca TV when discussing his debut last year, as per leading Spanish media reports. According to Messi, he fulfilled his childhood dream. and it was a very happy day for him. He claimed that he was happy and also very nervous.
Lionel Messi gave a teaser of his supreme talent in his short cameo. Messi made just eight appearances for Barcelona that season but became a regular in the second season. Since his debut 15 years ago, Messi made 692 appearances for Barcelona and has found the net 604 times since then. Messi led his side to 34 trophies, which includes 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues. Messi has bagged five Ballon d'Or awards and is majorly regarded as the best player of all time.
Updated 20:47 IST, October 16th 2019