Former Barcelona player Ludovic Giuly says he knew Lionel Messi was destined for greatness 10 years ago.
The France international winger spent three years at Barca between 2004 and 2007, winning two La Liga titles, the Champions League trophy and two Supercopa de Espana’s, and shared a dressing room with Messi, who was just beginning what would turn into a glittering career.
Even then, says Giuly, he could tell the Argentine would become the best player on the planet.
“Ten years ago I knew Leo would be the greatest player in the world,” Giuly told Sport in Barcelona, where he was visiting the club to remember the 2006 Champions League final in Paris.
“Messi has things that others don’t. He is brilliant, with an innate ability, and is an amazing player.
“With the quality he showed then, both in training and in games, I was convinced I’d be spending a lot of time on the bench at his expense,” he admitted.
