Video: Ronaldinho speaks about his fond memories of setting up Lionel Messi's first goal at Barcelona
Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has given an exclusive interview on the official FC Barcelona website hailing his former teammates Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta. The 35-year-old, who is among the great Brazilians to don the famous Barca shirt at the Camp Nou, is still keeping a close eye on the events at his former club and he is joyed to see how well his compatriot Neymar is doing at the club and believes he will become ‘the best player in the world’ one day.
The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner starts off the interview by pointing out Messi’s rise to prominence and highlighting the time when he helped the Argentinian score his first goal for the Spanish champions.
“It's nice to see how he keeps growing with each passing year”, the Brazilian legend stated about the little magician who he guided during his teenage days. “I have fond memories of his first goal. I was playing alongside him and I actually set it up! That's what I pick out when I look back on our time playing together.
“It was a very special moment because it kick-started his career.”
Ronaldinho was full of praise for Barca captain Iniesta as well: “When I watch him play today he reminds me of Xavi,” he added.
“He's spent his whole career playing in this style, from a young age, and he was always extremely talented. It's really great to see them all still there making history," the veteran summed up.
Both Messi and Iniesta have been playing an integral role in the Barca squad for years, this term, though, it’s the Brazillian Neymar who has been stepping up to the plate in the absence of the injured Argentinian.
The former Santos man is La Liga’s top scorer with 11 goals in 10 appearances and his remarkable form has not been left unnoticed by Ronaldinho.