This Soccer Legend Is Barcelona's First Lionel Messi

One soccer legend previously carried Barcelona the same way Lionel Messi is doing today.

Ever since a Barcelona fan can remember, Messi has been the king of the club. But just like in any other sports, eras change and icons pass the torch to their successors. Some fans may not know, but before “Leo” redefined Barcelona’s legacy, there was Johan Cruyff.

Besoccer.com recently revealed the significant similarities between the two Barcelona icons. Apparently, Cruyff and Messi never hid their admiration towards one another. Aside from being exceptionally talented players, the Argentine also has that same winning mentality that the Dutchman implanted at Barca.

On top of that, Messi and Cruyff both have established a working relationship with Josep “Pep” Guardiola. Just like how Guardiola coached Messi, Pep played under Cruyff in the “Dream Team” and was successfully able to adapt the same playing style as a manager.

To date , it has been four years since the passing og Cruyff. However, his legacy still lives and many consider him as the father of Barcelona F.C. Many are convinced that Cruyff’s intellect and winning attitude still manifests through Messi. The impressive dribbles and the magical goal scoring techniques made it easy for Barcelona fans to see resemblance between the two. And he day Luis Suarez and Messi recreated the famous Cruyff and Olsen penalty against Celta even added more glare to the incredible comparisons.

As for addressing each other as players, Messi and Cruyff have never been shy in expressing their admiration for each other’s style. Back when Messi had just joined Barcelona, the Dutchman once said a phrase about him saying "I watch him play and he makes me laugh . He is a great footballer who is still like a child."

Cruyff’s comments about Messi may have different meanings. Nevertheless, Messi and Cruyff depict the historical passing of the torch as Barcelona’s hero.

The late legend gave Barca a championship 13 years after he arrived in 1973. Cruyff then built the famous “Dream Team” while he became the club’s manager.

Menwhile, Barca is reportedly close to acquiring their new Messi. The club is said to be working on signing Juan Sebastian Sforza, captain of the U17 national team representing in the FIFA World Cup. Sforza is being viewed as Barcelona’s future Messi because he is believed to be built the same way as the Argentine superstar.

Aside from the fact that Messi and Sforza are both from Argentina, they are also both developed by same club – “Newell’s Old Boys.”