Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi share a historic bond not only as Barcelona legends but also as friends. That’s why his appearance in the documentary “Ronaldinho: The One and Only,” set to premiere on Netflix on April 16, wasn’t surprising in itself, but his story certainly caught everyone’s attention.
The Brazilian icon and the Argentine star formed one of the most iconic duos in Barça's history, playing 80 matches together and scoring 67 goals between 2004 and 2008. But before the glory, in his early days, Leo received all the support and encouragement from Dinho.
Leo's gratitude to Ronaldinho
The documentary "Ronaldinho: The One and Only" will take viewers on a journey through the Brazilian legend's career, featuring testimonials from great stars who shared the field and locker room with him, such as Neymar, Roberto Carlos, Carles Puyol, and, of course, Leo Messi.
Among the previews, a story was shared by the captain of the Argentine national team about his early days at Barça, where he later became the successor to the iconic “#10” jersey.
He was the most important player in the locker room, and the way he approached me and treated me from day one made everything so much easier-it helped me relax, enjoy playing, and just be there in that locker room at that moment. I'm always so grateful to him for everything, and I have a very special place in my heart for him.
Lionel Messi
In addition, Leo recalled the unforgettable gesture Ronaldinho made toward him during the Barça vs. Albacete match in the 2004/05 LaLiga season. Leo entered the field at age 17 and scored his first goal with the club on Matchday 34, but it was later disallowed for offside.
Dinho, who had witnessed the disallowed play and the talent Leo had demonstrated not only in that match but throughout his time at La Masía, sent a perfect pass to the Argentine's feet, which Leo then converted into a goal.
The crowd went wild cheering for him, and his embrace with his teammates-including the Brazilian idol-was an unforgettable memory, or "crazy,” as Messi described it.
"It was crazy to make my debut on that field, to score my first goal. Maybe he did it on purpose, maybe he did everything he could to make sure I scored at that moment, knowing him and knowing what he's like…”
"The celebration was very spontaneous, very natural. He hoisted me onto his back, and I didn't understand anything at that moment. The truth is, I was in a dream for having scored a goal at Camp Nou, for having been there at that moment, and well, I climbed onto his back, and then it went around the world,” Leo recalled.
In this way, and beyond the titles, the dribbles, and the magic that made Ronaldinho an icon of world soccer, his legacy as a generous leader and a key figure in the development of new stars is evident.
Stories like Messi‘s show that his greatness wasn’t limited to the game, but transcended into gestures that shaped careers and left their mark on the history of the sport.
