2 days ago it was 10 years since Messi signed his first contract with Barca.
Messi's father was in a restaurant with Rexach and threatened if Messi is not signed they would fly back to Argentina. Rexach called a waiter and signed a contract on a napkin.
It went something like: "As sporting director of the club, I guarantee that the club will assume all responsibility for the Messi family if they come to live in Barcelona and the kid joins the club."
Shame didn't score today, had 3 assists though. Great stuff from Barcelona in general. 5 goals or it's a failure seems to be the motto at the moment.
the way he can redefine himself to fit the opposition is amazing.
Espanyol didn't give him much in behind as they constantly pressed him when he had possession high up the pitch (ignore the horrid miss for a second, because Alves created that by robbing a defender) so he came deep to help ignite the play as it entered the final third. some of his dribbles were beautiful, Espanyol couldn't touch him. then later on, with them still pressing him, he held the ball and distributed it to others who had run into space as the defence collapsed on him.
genius.