On This Day In 2004: Messi makes Barcelona debut.

By Max Wise 

On this day in 2004, a little-known Lionel Messi, aged seventeen years, three months and twenty-two days, made his official debut for FC Barcelona in a league game against Espanyol.

The then little man from Rosario in Argentina is now a 31-year old, widely regarded as the most popular player on the planet.

Messi has dominated the football scene over the last decade with a section of enthusiasts describing him as the Greatest (player) Of All Time.

He has remained with Barcelona since and developed to become the captain of the Camp Nou outfit.

Messi has won nine La Liga trophies with Barcelona, four Champions League titles and is the record goal scorer or both club and country.