Ronaldinho: "I have fond memories of setting up Messi's 1st goal"

Posted Thursday, November 12, 2015 by Marca.com

Ronaldinho:

Ronaldinho enthused about his time at the Camp Nou in an interview with Barca's in-house media. The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner waxed lyrical about Lionel Messi and Neymar, among others.

"It's nice to see how he keeps growing with each passing year", the Brazilian legend stated about Messi, whom he took under his wing when the Argentine was just bursting on to the scene. "I have fond memories of his first goal. I was playing alongside him and I actually set it up! That's what I pick out when I look back on our time playing together. It was a very special moment because it kick-started his career", the 35-year-old remarked.

Ronaldinho spoke equally enthusiastically about compatriot Neymar, claiming the 23-year-old "can become the best player in the world", calling the ex-Santos starlet "phenomenal" and expressing his "joy" at seeing "another Brazilian making history".

Barca captain Andres Iniesta was another who came in for praise from the former Grêmio, PSG, Milan, Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro and Querétaro schemer, who is currently without a club after leaving Fluminense: "When I watch him play today he reminds me of Xavi. He's spent his whole career playing in this style, from a young age, and he was always extremely talented". "It's really great to see them all still there making history", the veteran summed up about his former teammates.

Ronaldinho also spent a year in the Camp Nou dressing room with Luis Enrique, during his first season at the club, which was the versatile Spaniard's last as a player. The Brazilian stressed that it was a pleasure to play alongside the now Barca boss and backed the 45-year-old to establish himself as "one of the best" coaches in the world.