Messi before signing for Barcelona

In Barcelona, Messi achieved everything for what he is known for today (aside from his national team of course). But we also know that Messi once played for Newell's Old Boys, a team from his own province which he was a fan of. Today's blog will be dedicated to his time at Newell's Old Boys, looking at stats and other things as well.

Between 1992 and 1993, Messi played for a team called Abanderado Grandoli FC. Even when he was only 5 to 6 years old, his talent was easily recognizable. People said that Grandoli had "The Next Maradona", and even people not connected to the club watched Grandoli's games to see Messi play.

After leaving Grandoli for Newell's Old Boys in 1994, his debut was against Pablo VI on April 9th, 1994. Newell's won that game 6-0 with 4 goals coming from Messi, showing more of his incredible potential. That year, he would score 40 goals in only 29 games.

In 1995, he decreased to 36 goals in 30 games, but a fantastic thing happened as, although he got locked in a bathroom due to a damaged lock, he ended up breaking the glass and got to the pitch when his team was losing 1-0. He later scored a hat-trick and gave his team the victory and a bicycle as well, which was the prize for the winner. As a side note, he played and won in a tournament this year with Central Córdoba. In the same year, he scored an amazing volley goal which included a sombrero on an opponent beforehand,

In 1996, he bagged 36 goals in 27 games. He also met Antonela in this year, which would later evolve into a romantic relationship.

In 1997, he scored 40 goals in 36 games. He also made his international debut in Peru, on a tournament called "Copa de la Amistad", which he won and made a great performance in the final.

In the year 1998, he got a low 27 goals in 25 games. There is not much to detail in this year unfortunately.

Finally, in 1999 he got an all-time high of 55 goals in only 29 games, nearly two goals per game. One of his recorded goals that year was one where he dribbled past a player with the touch of his heel and later shoots to the far post for a great goal. There was also his performance against El Torito, a game where he won 4-3 with a goal from himself. This would be his last year at Newell's Old Boys before he moved to Barcelona.

This great video compiles Messi's highlights before signing for Barcelona. As we can see, he was destined to be the greatest from the very start.