Messi Under the Wings of Ronaldhino

Nice article about the impact that Ronaldinho has had on Lionel Messi’s play at Barcelona. I especially love this quote:

“Ronnie was massively important for me,” Messi said. “I was so young when I started to come into Barcelona’s dressing room, but he made a point of being first to step up to me and look after me.

“I try to copy little things Ronaldinho does but more fundamentally I just try to play for the joy of it. Playing football has always meant joy for me and that’s why I do it. Of course, it’s easier when you’re winning.”

That is one of that things that has always struck me about Messi. He looks like he is having fun out on the pitch. Maybe it is because he is still young and because it is a lot of fun making other players look bad, but I hope he is able to continue to love the game even when the pressure on him grows.