Lionel Messi joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy at age 13. In September 2000, Barcelona arranged a trial for the Argentine teenager after his family’s connections in Catalonia helped open the door to the club. Technical director Carles Rexach was immediately impressed by Messi’s talent and wanted to sign him.
The move was not simple. Barcelona’s board hesitated because signing a foreign player so young was unusual, while Messi’s family also faced the challenge of relocating from Rosario to Spain. The famous story says Rexach wrote a preliminary agreement on a paper napkin when the club’s commitment was being questioned.
Messi moved to Barcelona in February 2001 and entered La Masia, the club’s youth academy. He initially faced registration and eligibility problems, but after being enrolled with the Spanish federation in 2002, he became a key player in the club’s youth teams. He later made his competitive first-team debut at 17.