During the 2000s, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi were teammates at Barcelona.

In terms of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho was ahead of the curve.

While the Argentine was regarded as a future superstar in the early 2000s, few expected him to go on to become probably the greatest footballer of all time.

Despite his modest height while moving through the legendary La Masia academy, Ronaldinho was well aware of the incredible talent Barcelona had on their hands.

Messi made his Barcelona debut at the age of 16 in 2004, and he played alongside Ronaldinho for several years, frequently to devastating effect.

Yes, we saw the best of Messi at Barcelona after the Brazilian left in 2008, but they were still a lethal combination.

With his mercurial magnificence, Ronaldinho established the groundwork for success – and then the 2022 World Cup champion pushed it to terrifying new heights.

It’s a well-known truth that Ronaldinho and Messi are still good friends, which was underscored when the former wrote a “letter to his younger self” in 2016.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 30: Ronaldinho of FC Barcelona celebrates his goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain on October 30, 2005.

In 2017, the Brazilian legend collaborated with The Players’ Tribune to create the fantastic essay, which began with: “Dear eight-year-old Ronaldinho…”

Ronaldinho mentioned Messi and the continuation of his legacy at Barcelona at the end of the passionate and informative message.

And the words are simply stunning.

What did Ronaldinho say in his letter about Messi?

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – DECEMBER 4: Lionel Messi (L) and Ronaldinho of Barcelona celebrate after defeating Villarreal 2-0 during a Primera Liga match between Villarreal and F.C. Barcelona on December 4, 2005, at the Madrigal stadium in Villarreal, Spain.

“You’ll hear about this kid on the youth team in Barcelona.” He wears the same number as you. He’s little, just like you. He uses the ball in the same way as you do. You and your colleagues will go watch him play for Barcelona’s young team, and you’ll know he’ll be more than just a terrific footballer. The child is unique. Leo Messi is his name.

“You’ll tell the coaches to bring him up to play on the senior team with you.” When he arrives, the Barcelona players will be discussing him in the same way that the Brazilian players were discussing you.

“I’d like you to offer him one bit of advice.

“Say to him, ‘Play with happiness.'” Play for free. Just have fun with the ball.’

“Even after you’re gone, Messi will carry on the freestyle in Barcelona.”

Ronaldinho is a diehard Messi admirer, and he was “very happy” when the great man grabbed the World Cup trophy in Qatar, further cementing his ‘GOAT’ status.

“He was missing it,” remarked Ronaldinho. “To be honest, nobody imagined him outside of Barcelona, but things happen in football.” He must now continue.”