Johan Cruyff's prediction about Lionel Messi in 2008 came true, he was absolutely spot on
Johan Cruyff nailed his prediction about Lionel Messi.
Featured Image Credit: La Liga
Topics: Lionel Messi, Football, Johan Cruyff
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Lionel Messi, Football, Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff's prediction about Lionel Messi in 2008 came true and he was absolutely spot on with his bold claim.
A clip of a commentator revealing Cruyff's prediction about Messi has re-emerged online and it makes for a fascinating listen.
Even at the tender age of 20, the Argentine maestro was destined for big, big things after bursting onto the scene with Barcelona.
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So much so, the late, great legendary Dutchman tipped Messi for Ballon d'Or success.
He said he won't just get one, but an entire collection.
During a La Liga match between Barca and Villarreal, the Sky Sports commentator revealed: "There was a very interesting comment by Johan Cruyff, who still lives around these parts and is still a regular here at the Camp Nou, he was talking about Lionel Messi.
"He says: 'Still, only 20, he has a little bit to learn about the game: when to provide the right pass and when to dribble. When he fully understands that, he won’t just get one Golden Ball (Ballon d’Or), he’ll have an entire collection by the time his career ends.'
"When you’ve got a player of Cruyff’s stature saying that, you know you’ve arrived."
The co-commentator added: "Without a doubt. You get accolades like that from one of the all-time greats, you know you’re hopefully going to play a big part in world football in years to come."
Of course, Messi has gone onto win SEVEN Ballon d'Or titles in his illustrious career.
He won all but one of his individual prizes at Barca, before securing a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 35-year-old beat Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to scoop the Ballon d'Or last year.
Judging by his latest appearance for PSG, he appears to be back to his very best as he starred in his side's win over Clermont Foot.