Twelve years ago today, the first of 502 (so far) goals was scored by Lionel Messi in a Barcelona shirt.
On 1st May, 2005, no one could have predicted just how many more goals would follow for this long haired, babyfaced 17-year-old from Rosario, Argentina.
Of course, there were plenty at Barcelona who predicted tremendous success for Messi as he was developing into a phenomenon within the club's La Masia academy, but perhaps not quite on the history making levels that the 29-year-old has achieved over the last 12 remarkable years in the 'Blaugrana' shirt.
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Eight days ago, Messi scored his 500th goal for the Catalan giants, winning El Clasico for Luis Enrique's men with the last kick of the game at the Bernabeu.
The strike could prove to be pivotal in yet another La Liga title triumph for Barca, just as Messi's first goal was converted en route to the Catalans lifting the Spanish league trophy in 2005.
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The goal itself, scored during a 2-0 victory over Albacete at Camp Nou, may not be quite as memorable as the second of Messi's goals in the Spanish capital, just over a week ago, but in hindsight, it was an iconic announcement of a soon to be changing of the guard, with Brazilian legend Ronaldinho laying the goal on for the man who would eventually succeed him as Barcelona's king.
In the Spring of 2005 though, Messi was yet to be coronated, with Ronaldinho still firmly seated on his throne at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian was less than a year away from his sole Ballon d'Or victory and against Albacete, 'dinho aided the introduction of a prodigious prince who would change the beautiful game, forever.
Replacing goalscorer Samuel Eto'o, Messi soon had the ball in the back of the net, latching onto a deliciously scooped Ronaldinho through ball. The effort was incorrectly ruled out for offside, however and it appeared the 17-year-old would have to wait until his next match to try and attempt to become Barcelona's youngest ever goal scorer.
Master and Apprentice. Image: PA
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Moments later, however, a carbon copy of the disallowed goal was produced by the South American duo, only this time with a linesman's flag nowhere in sight.
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Speaking to reporters after the match, Messi said, "I enjoyed it a lot."
Mundo Deportivo's Begona Villarubia wrote in the aftermath of the goal, "It is difficult to imagine a better crowning jewel for a season in which he has been always training with the first team, although he has played almost all the youth team games.
"Messi now feels that the La Liga title which with all probability Barca will win will be his own."
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Twelve years, eight La Liga titles, four Copa Del Reys and four Champions Leagues later and it's safe to say no Barcelona fan will begrudge Messi from considering that first La Liga triumph as his own.
Here's to another 502 goals.
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Ronaldinho, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi
