Messi’s coach at Barcelona Academy highlights player’s first steps

CAIRO – 20 October 2017: Universidad de Chile Manager Anfel Hoyos was coaching at Barcelona Academy, La Masi, when Lionel Messi joined the club in 2000. Hoyos spoke to FIFA about the player’s first steps in the club.

“I’d never seen a player like him before,” Hoyos told FIFA on Thursday.

Messi joined Barcelona when he was just 13 after the club scouts in Argentina recommended him to the club. Messi turned out to be the most successful player in the club’s history.

Hoyos added, “how he enjoyed running with the ball. It gave me pleasure, and it still does today. That’s why he is what he is. He’s still that kid who just plays and plays, who’s in love with the sport.”

Hoyos spoke about the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, which will be presented on Monday, he said. “I’d give it to Leo for what he gives to the world, for his values too. That’s also part of the game,” he added.