Messi reveals the secret to inheriting Ronaldinho's number 10 shirt

After receiving the number 10 shirt from Ronaldinho, Messi not only played successfully but also reached a higher level than his predecessor.

Ronaldinho won two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and led Barca to the 2006 Champions League title. Therefore, inheriting the number 10 shirt from this player is a difficult challenge to overcome.

"I received the number 10 shirt back with a relaxed mind and without thinking about what Ronaldinho had done. If I had thought about that, I might not have accepted the shirt because of the pressure," Messi revealed his secret.

Ronaldinho and Messi are the two most successful number 10s in Barca's history. Photo: Reuters

According to Messi, it was Ronaldinho who first suggested he wear the number 10 shirt. The conversation took place a few months before the Brazilian star left.

According to Messi, Ronaldinho was not only Barca's best player during the 2003-2008 period but also a big brother. When M10 first joined the first team, no one else but Ronaldinho guided his younger player to help him integrate quickly.

"Everyone welcomed me, but Ronaldinho was special. When he saw an empty seat next to him, Deco and Motta, Ronaldinho called me from the group of players from the B team to sit there. When I expressed my surprise, he encouraged me that I was good enough to sit there. Integrating with teammates is not easy, but Ronaldinho made it much easier for me," Messi said.

According to VNE