Ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final, let’s rewind back a decade to a game between Barcelona and Juventus in 2005…
The European finalists were competing for the Joan Gamper Trophy, in honour of Barca’s founder. But it was their future greatest ever player who stole the show.
Lionel Messi was but a stumpy 17-year-old kid at the time, yet he tore an experienced Juve side to shreds with his scintillating runs and quick-footed elan.
The likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram, Patrick Vieira and Pavel Nedved were bamboozled by young Leo’s brilliance, and their only counter was foul play.
But the mercurial Argentine wasn’t to be bowed, and provided a glorious through-ball to an equally fresh-faced Andres Iniesta to slot home.
However, supporters of the Catalan side will be hoping the friendly isn’t an omen for the weekend’s final in Berlin – Juve won 4-2 on penalties.
