From the moment Lionel Messi stepped into Barcelona’s shadows, one name cast a bright guiding light: Ronaldinho. As one of the great magicians of football, what Ronaldinho said about Messi reveals a story of admiration, mentorship, and prophetic humility. In this article, AnnuGoal will journey through Ronaldinho’s public statements, private reflections, and emotional connections with Messi — and show how one legend recognized another.
A Mentor in Disguise: Early Words and Realizations
When Messi first arrived at Barça’s youth ranks, he was a small, shy kid with a dream. Ronaldinho saw the spark. Years later, he would recall a specific moment: “I knew Messi was a better player than me … I always tried to be a good influence on him.”
He, Deco, and the senior players would follow Messi’s youth games, whispering among themselves that “we already expected that he would be the best.”
In a heartfelt open letter, Ronaldinho wrote of that period:
“You’ll hear about this kid on the youth team. He wears number 10 … He plays with the ball like you … his name is Leo Messi.
Tell him, ‘Play with happiness. Play free. Just play with the ball.’ Even when you are gone, the free style will live on in Barcelona through Messi.” emesport.com])
That line — play with happiness, play free — is more than counsel: it’s a philosophy. Ronaldinho saw himself as a guardian of football’s joy, and he passed that torch to Messi.
Public Praise and Prophecies
As Messi ascended, Ronaldinho’s praise grew. At the 2005 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Ronaldinho made waves with a bold statement:
“This award says I’m the best player in the world, but I’m not even the best player at Barcelona. … Messi is the best player in the world … Someday I will explain that I was at the birth of one of the footballing greats: Leo Messi
In more recent times, he’s reaffirmed his belief:
- He’s emphasized that Leo needs no comments beyond what he shows on the pitch, urging Messi to continue being himself with the ball.
- He has expressed genuine joy in seeing Messi win the World Cup, saying he was “very happy” to see his friend achieve that missing piece.
- He’s claimed that no one ever imagined Messi leaving Barcelona — a poetic way of underlining Messi’s original destiny.
Ronaldinho once even said: “I helped Messi and I know he will do the same with Neymar,” acknowledging the chain of support among generations.
Through contradictions, humility, and bold conviction, Ronaldinho’s words show he never saw Messi simply as a colleague — but as his rightful successor in legacy.
Between Lines: What These Statements Mean
Ronaldinho’s remarks are loaded with dee. Let’s break down what he’s really communicating:
1. Legacy passed, not claimed
Ronaldinho doesn’t fight to share the spotlight — he lifts Messi into it. When he says Messi was “better than me,” he’s not diminishing himself; he’s confirming Messi’s place in football history.
2. Joy over trophies
His repeated mention of “play free” and “play with happiness” reminds us how Ronaldinho sees the soul of the game. He’s cheering for Messi to retain that same creative spark, no matter how many awards he wins.
3. Modesty as strength
In an era of bravado, Ronaldinho’s humility is striking. He never monopolizes the narrative. He gives room to Messi’s greatness without needing to be louder.
4. The mentor’s pride
His comments convey father pride. He doesn’t just watch Messi play; he watches him grow, carry the torch, and build something new. His joy in Messi’s successes is genuine.
Messi’s Perspective: Gratitude, Respect, and Influence
The relationship isn’t one-sided. Messi has publicly spoken about Ronaldinho’s impact:
- Messi has described Ronaldinho as a mentor who invited him to the Brazilian table and supported him as he grew.
- He has expressed deep gratitude for Ronaldinho’s early belief in him, admitting that those gestures shaped his confidence in Barcelona’s dressing room.
- When Messi received the Barça #10 shirt after Ronaldinho’s departure, many fans saw it as a symbolic passing of power — and Messi has acknowledged how meaningful that is.
This mutual respect transcends simple admiration — it’s a bond built on shared artistry.
Criticism, Comparisons & The GOAT Debate
Given how both players are deeply revered, some critics have tried to interpret Ronaldinho’s comments in competitive frames:
- Ronaldinho has declined to simply call Messi “the GOAT,” saying comparisons are hard and each legend has their own time.
- Yet his accolades for Messi are consistent and unambiguous, especially his prediction that Messi would become the best.
- In doing so, Ronaldinho avoids a direct claim to supremacy and instead shows humility consistent with his style.
Ronaldinho’s stance suggests that greatness can evolve — that Messi’s journey is not about outshining but about fulfilling promise.
Moments That Spoke Louder Than Words
Sometimes, what happened on the pitch said more than any interview. A few standout episodes:
- Ronaldinho’s assist for Messi’s first official Barcelona goal: a flip over a defender that Messi then lobbed. Ronaldinho later said it filled him with joy to play a part in Messi’s journey.
- Ronaldinho inviting Messi into his inner circle in the locker room and guiding him socially and psychologically within Barça.
- When Messi won major awards and competitions, Ronaldinho’s public praise followed — not out of obligation, but out of genuine pride.
These moments, taken together with words, show that what Ronaldinho said about Messi isn’t hollow; it’s lived.
Final Thoughts
What Ronaldinho said about Messi is a rare blend of prophecy, humility, and love for football. He didn’t just support Messi — he entrusted him with the spirit of Barça, with the philosophy that art and joy matter as much as titles.
In revisiting these statements, fans can see how the torch passed: from one dazzling #10 to another. AnnuGoal invites you: revisit the archives, watch their interplay on video, and share these connections with other fans. Keep tracking Messi’s legacy — with Ronaldinho’s words echoing behind him.
