Lionel Messi, the worlds most gifted footballer, in the Premier League? Pull the other one, surely? Its true, the four-time Ballon dOr winner, who wont be content until he has smashed every record in sight, had caught the eye of Arsenal scouts as a 15 year old during the 02/03 season. The Gunners Spanish representative, Francis Cagigao, had been closely following the Cadete A side in Barcelona, when he was wowed by the talents of Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique and a mousy-haired trickster from Argentina.
''It all began with a game against Parma. He had just witnessed something very different, and quite extraordinary, namely the control of Cesc and the talent of Leo. He spent that day and many more, fruitlessly searching for the Argentinians agent. While Barcelona was battling against a new rival, Cagigao was speaking on the telephone. If only I could find someone who works with the Argentinian youngster As he put the phone down, one of Leos representatives in Spain approached him. That night, Francis had dinner with the agent and expressed an interest in Messi, an interest that culminated in an offer being passed to the boys father, Jorge. From that moment, the lines of communication between Arsenal and the Messis were open. - Guillem Ballague, Spanish correspondent, October 2014.
Having expressed his admiration for the little fleas incredible balance, impeccable finishing capacity and extraordinary technical skill, he raised doubts regarding his lack of height, but was still enthused by the Argentine teenager.
''The Messis listened to what Arsenal had to say but they were not about to have their heads turned. The English club could not offer a flat for the family, and there would be difficulty obtaining a work permit. Bit by bit points of mutual interest evaporated until the offer lay dead in the water. - Guillem Ballague, October 2014.
It goes without saying that Messi has embarked on a far more fruitful career in Catalonia than he ever would have done in north London, with the 27 year old on the verge of becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in both La Liga and the Champions League. His trophy haul speaks for itself, with goals in two of his three victorious Champions League finals. For Arsene Wengers sake, it might be better to leave the trophy argument at that, before it gets really embarrassing. Barcelona is Messis home, and its nigh-on impossible to imagine him anywhere else. So, that's a wrap - do you agree? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
