5 players you didn't know played with Lionel Messi

5 uncommon team mates of Lionel Messi (Image via Sportskeeda)
5 uncommon team mates of Lionel Messi (Image via Sportskeeda)

#3 Henrik Larrson

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Barcelona v Sevilla - La Liga (Image via Getty)
Barcelona v Sevilla - La Liga (Image via Getty)

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.

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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

FC Barcelona v New York Red Bulls (Image via Getty)
FC Barcelona v New York Red Bulls (Image via Getty)

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.

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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

Espanyol v Barcelona
Espanyol v Barcelona

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.

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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.

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Edited by Arnav Kholkar
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