Messi's old scout reports exposed: Some advised against signing him, others called him Maradona

According to Mundo Deportivo, Florent Torchut, a journalist for France Football and author of the Messi biography "Rey Leo," has revealed three evaluation reports written by Barcelona youth coaches during Messi's trial in autumn 2000. At the time, there was significant internal disagreement within Barcelona about whether to sign the then 13-year-old Messi. One report explicitly recommended against signing him, while another compared him to Maradona.

Fortunately, this story ultimately had a happy ending. Despite the initial doubts within Barcelona, the young Messi ultimately transformed the club's history forever.

Even as a child, Messi's talent was exceptional, but even such outstanding technical ability did not convince everyone. More than 20 years later, these reports disclosed by Florent Torchut illustrate that Messi's path to legendary status was accompanied by doubts from the very beginning.

The France Football journalist and author of the Messi biography "Rey Leo" unveiled three evaluation reports written by La Masia coaches during Messi's first trial with Barcelona in autumn 2000.

These documents reflect starkly different assessments of the young player from Rosario. Messi was only 13 when he arrived at Barcelona, and his technical abilities quickly garnered attention, but his height and physical development also raised concerns about his ability to compete at higher age levels.

The first report affirmed Messi's footballing abilities and technical advantages compared to his peers.

The report stated: "For his age, he is a very complete technical player."

The report also highlighted Messi's vision, agility, football intelligence, dribbling ability, and shooting power.

It concluded with a positive assessment: "Excellent in the penalty area. His only weakness is his height and physical condition. A very excellent player."

The second assessment, however, offered a much more pessimistic judgment.

Although the coach acknowledged Messi's undeniable technical ability, he believed Messi's physical condition could be a significant obstacle to his development.

The report stated: "His technical ability is undeniable, but his physical limitations are very obvious (142 cm), which prevents him from competing. Even if he continues to grow to 150 cm, it will be very difficult to play in the preferred youth league. I don't think he should be signed. Continue to observe his growth, and bring him back for a trial in a few years."

The third report, however, held a completely different view.

The author had no doubts about the potential of the young Argentine and advocated for the club to sign him.

The report stated: "Without considering the difference between them, he is a Maradona (still very young). If it were me, I would sign him; he will improve greatly. It all depends on his development now."

This report's comparison of Messi to Diego Maradona illustrates that Messi, even at the very beginning of his professional journey, was already capable of impressing with his talent.

Three reports, three different opinions, all centered around the same question: Messi's technical attributes appeared excellent, but his physical condition introduced uncertainty.

Ultimately, Messi joined Barcelona in December 2000, in a deal famously sealed on a napkin.

Since then, Messi has played 778 official matches for Barcelona, scoring 672 goals, and winning 35 trophies with the team.

The 13-year-old who came to Barcelona from Rosario, whose physical condition was once questioned, ultimately became the club's all-time leading scorer and one of the greatest players in history.

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