Leandro Benitez, a childhood friend of Lionel Messi, recalls the early days at Newell’s Old Boys youth academy where the two first crossed paths at eight years old.
Despite being overlooked for his modest size, Messi dazzled on the pitch with a blend of skill and imagination that set him apart, while Benitez and fellow teammates such as Lucas Scaglia and Antonella Roccuzzo’s cousin formed a tight‑knit circle that turned ordinary afternoons into spontaneous games.
The group once roamed barefoot through the streets, knocking on doors to scrape together enough coins for a simple Coca‑Cola, a memory that Benitez says captures the youthful camaraderie that defined their world.
Messi’s rise was not without hurdles; the academy could not fund his growth‑hormone therapy, forcing the young prodigy to self‑administer injections at home. When a trial at Barcelona beckoned, Benitez presented his friend with a Newell’s shirt as a parting token, a gesture that underscored the depth of their bond.
Trials, Triumphs, and the Gift of Humility
A breakthrough came when Messi netted a goal in the Under‑20 South American Championship, celebrating with a hand‑sign that symbolized the friendship they had forged. Years later, Benitez traveled to Barcelona and showed Messi a video montage of his own highlights, a moment that left the Argentine star visibly moved.
What many admire is Messi’s modest awareness of his own extraordinary talent; his humility fuels a relentless work ethic that has translated into countless records on the field.
Back home, criticism of Messi once stung Benitez, but he came to understand the pressures that accompanied fame. Messi answered doubt with performances that spoke louder than words, exemplified by a stunning strike against England that moved his friend to tears.
Today, Benitez expresses profound gratitude for the impact Messi has had, not only on the sport but also on the lives of those who grew up alongside him. The friendship that began on a dusty Rosario field continues to inspire a generation of fans who see in Messi a model of both brilliance and character.