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Lionel Messi is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of the modern era. The Argentine has a rich legacy that any upcoming footballer will only dream about. However, Lionel Messi has largely been a one-club man since his debut for Barcelona in 2004. Since then, he has spent almost 17 years at the Catalan club and went on to win every major tournament there was to be won.
Lionel Messi spent his years with some big names people don't remember
Lionel Messi has been part of Barcelona's golden generation. He has played with some of the most iconic names in football, like Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol, and the duo of Andres Iniesta and Xavi. However, there have also been certain names who have played with him but are not easily remembered.
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#5 Gianluca Zambrotta
One of the iconic names of Italian football, Gianluca Zambrotta, was one of the most decorated right-backs in the world. He was known for his ambidextrous feet and could manage to play in offensive and defensive roles with perfection. Furthermore, he was an exceptionally dynamic and versatile footballer known for his hard-working nature and tactical brilliance.
Zambrotta spent two seasons at Barcelona, whom he joined from Juventus following the Italian club's relegation to Serie B following the Calciopoli scandal. He made his debut in the Spanish Super Cup, which was his only major trophy at the club. He made 85 appearances for the Catalan club and even chipped in with 11 goal involvements which is a testament to his offensive abilities. He later left Spain to return to Italy, joining AC Milan on a three-year deal.
#4 Giovanni Van Bronckhorst
The former Dutch left-back is widely considered one of the most dynamic footballers. Van Bronckhorst could move effortlessly with the ball and fall back when required. He shared a dressing room with Lionel Messi when he switched from Arsenal to Barcelona in 2003. Van Bronckhorst had initially spent a season on loan before making a permanent transfer in 2004.
He played primarily as a left-back at Barcelona and adjusted to his new position quite well. Over the four seasons he spent at Camp Nou, Van Bronckhorst made 154 appearances where he displayed defensive solidity and 25 goals involvement. He also won two La Liga titles, the UEFA Champions League and a couple of Spanish Super Cups.
#3 Henrik Larrson
Lionel Messi has played with some of the best forwards to grace the world of football. Henrik Larrson is, however, one figure with whom Lionel Messi doesn't have too many memories. The Argentine's first breakthrough season was Larsson's last at Camp Nou. But there are no doubts about his influence on a teenage Lionel Messi. The well-rounded forward was known for his pace, guile and ability he showed with the ball. In addition, he was physically powerful and extremely good in the air.
Larrson spent a couple of seasons with Lionel Messi, but his first season was riddled with injuries. Nevertheless, despite a few appearances, Barcelona extended his contract, and his second season was a relatively better one. He could only manage 25 goals involvement in 59 appearances, but his potential was higher. However, he was part of a memorable side that won two La Liga titles, one Champions League, and two Spanish Super Cups.
#2 Martin Caceres
The Uruguayan defender can play in several positions with both the centre-back and the right-back positions, his stronger suits. Throughout his playing days, Caceres was known for his physical style of play. He used his pace to get to the ball and was usually a clean tackler. However, he managed just one season at Barcelona, where he was squadmate with Lionel Messi.
Caceres made only 23 appearances in the only season he spent at Camp Nou. Most of the appearances were as substitutes, and he spent the remaining time of his contract on loan. Nevertheless, it was a treble-winning season as Barcelona managed to win the domestic league, cup, and the Champions League.
#1 Javier Saviola
Javier Saviola was an incredibly talented and artistic forward when he played on the field. He was incredibly versatile and could play in several positions on the pitch. He directly impacted the way Lionel Messi developed at Camp Nou, as both shared a lot of similarities. Saviola joined Barcelona as a youngster and was a regular until Frank Rijkaard became manager. Saviola later spent a couple of seasons on loan at Monaco and Sevilla.
It was the 2006-07 season when Saviola and Messi spent time together in Spain. Messi had just established himself as a starter, and Saviola left a lasting impact on him. Overall, Saviola gave a good account of himself in 172 appearances. Saviola scored 72 goals and made 31 assists but sadly couldn't manage any honors during his stay.
