One of the best transfers in Barcelona’s history (if not the best) was signing of Lionel Messi. February 15th 2002 was the date when the Argentinian signed his first professional contract, which allowed him to play for Barcelona’s academy and the rest is history. But there was much fuss about the young kid from Argentina back in 2000. At just 13 years old, Messi's first informal agreement with Barcelona was famously scribbled and signed on a paper napkin. Barcelona's sporting director at the time, Carles Rexach, did this to reassure Messi's father that the club was fully committed to signing him. But if he listened to one of his scouts, the player would never sign for Barcelona!##LINKED_NEWS_69666##The main reason for concern was problems with Messi’s health. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, and he needed regular injections to help him grow normally. In the end, Barcelona agreed to pay a certain amount to cover the expenses, but according to one scout, that was the main reason why Messi shouldn't be signed.“Undeniable technical ability, but his physical limitation (142 cm) is significant and prevents him from competing. Even if he grows, at 150 cm it will be very difficult for him to play in the top youth league. I THINK HE SHOULD NOT BE SIGNED. Monitor his progress and try him again in a couple of years” wrote one of three scouts who watched Messi.##LINKED_NEWS_59902##Journalist Florent Torchut, from France Football, released three reports that La Masia coaches wrote about Lionel Messi during his first trials with Barcelona in 2000. The other two were also concerned with his height and physical strength, but far more impressed with his technical abilities.“For his age, he is a very complete player technically,” one of them wrote, also emphasizing his vision, agility, intelligence, dribbling skills, and powerful shot. He concluded: “Very good in the box. His only weakness is his height and lack of physical strength. A great player”.##LINKED_NEWS_59608##The third one was the most enthusiastic and even made a correct estimation."All things considered, he's a Maradona (a younger one). I'd sign him; he has so much more to offer. We'll see how he develops" he wrote. Luckily for Barcelona, they decided to listen to these two scouts and signed one of the best players in history of football.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 9Friday22.00: (2.10) La Coruna (3.45) Levante (3.50)Saturday15.00: (5.10) Espanyol (3.60) Atl.Madrid (1.73)17.15: (1.47) Villareal (4.40) Elche (6.75)19.30: (6.00) Betis (5.40) Barcelona (1.45)22.00: (3.20) Valencia (3.30) Ath.Bilbao (2.30)Sunday15.00: (2.10) Osasuna (3.50) Santander (3.40)17.15: (2.10) Celta (3.35) Alaves (3.60)19.30: (3.35) Malaga (3.45) Sociedad (2.15)22.00: (1.25) Real Madrid (6.50) Sevilla (10.0)Monday22.00: (2.90) Getafe (2.95) Rayo Vallecano (2.70)***odds are subject to change***##SOFASCORE_<iframe id="sofa-standings-embed-36-97268" src="https://widgets.sofascore.com/embed/tournament/36/season/97268/standings?widgetTitle=LaLiga&showCompetitionLogo=true&widgetTheme=light" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width:100%!important; height:1123px!important;max-width:768px!important;"></iframe><div style="font-size:12px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left"> Standings provided by <a target="_blank" href="https://sofascore.com/">Sofascore</a> </div>##
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