Barcelona’s No. 9 from 2004 to 2009 Samuel Eto’o was at the Nou Camp when young Lionel Messi made his breakthrough onto the scene at 16 years of age.The Cameroonian was at the peak of his powers then – he scored 130 goals in 199 games for the Catalonians, while Messi was undoubtedly learning plenty from one of the African all time great footballers.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Team was then coached by Pep Guardiola and it was clear Messi will take over, in pretty much every way. After Ronaldinho and Eto’o left the team, the Argentine quickly showed he will be synonymous with the Camp Nou club.In a video-call interview, a reporter insinuated Eto’o was then above Messi, skill-wise and that the Cameroonian schooled the Argentine. Eto’o denied such an idea.The 40-year-old felt the need to set the record straight when a journalist said that he played with Messi at Barcelona.’You mention Messi, what can he [Ansu Fati] learn from Messi? You obviously played with him…’ the reporter asked. ‘No. He played with me it’s different,’ Eto’o retorted. ‘Messi played with me. I didn’t play with Messi. In my time, Messi played with me. It’s totally different. It’s totally different.’ @roadto2022en Don’t tell Eto’o he played with Messi… 😱🤣 #Qatar2022 #Etoo 🐐 ♬ original sound – Roadto2022en Eto’o has long stated Messi is the best footballer of all time. Lionel made his Barcelona debut in October 2004 and was promoted to a side containing the likes of superstars Xavi, Deco, Eto’o and Ronaldinho.Although the Argentine is currently a free agent following the expiration of his contract last month, Messi is and always will be the star name of Barcelona. With reports that the 33-year-old will accept a huge reduction in his salary amid Barcelona’s financial turmoil, Messi is expected to commit his future to the club. ‘I can’t imagine Leo with another shirt. It is his club, his home, his love,’ Eto’o said via Goal. ‘I do not think that his continuity is due to a question of money. Leo is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi.’I know [president Joan] Laporta is preparing a reliable, interesting project for him.’
