5 things only Ronaldinho could do

#1 Tutoring Lionel Messi

Ronaldinho is credited by many for being a great mentor to Lionel Messi

“Those that came up from the B team sat on the other side. The dressing room was a U shape and we were sat in front. The moment arrived where they told me that I had to change side and didn’t have to spend more time there. "They received me wll in the dressing room, spectacularly. To come into this dressing room was not easy, they made everything much easier for me. I was very comfortable, very free, because of how they let me sit — not just Ronnie but all the dressing room.” - Leo Messi

Ronaldinho is to Messi what Albus Dumbledore is to Harry Potter; a great teacher and above all, a great friend. The Brazilian provided the assist to the Argentinian's first ever goal as a Barcelona player. Also, Dinho has been credited by many for playing a noteworthy part in the making of perhaps the greatest player the game has ever seen.

Of course, the diminutive no.10 didn't need much tutoring, seeing how naturally gifted a player he was. Yet, when it comes to playing under the shadow of the greatest player in the world, very few players can handle the pressure that comes along.

The World Cup winner made sure Messi's ability didn't wear off under the stress of playing for a giant club alongside great footballers.

Dinho showed what a gem of a person he was, helping a 17-year-old Messi to adjust at the club. Brazil and Argentina share a fierce rivalry on the pitch but that never counted when it came to the dressing room at the Nou Camp. Ronaldinho was kind and gentle to Messi from the very start, a fact that is quite visible in the aforementioned quote.

As their friendship blossomed both on and off the pitch, perhaps the greatest lesson Messi learnt from Ronaldinho was that of maintaining modesty in the face of eminence; staying grounded, no matter the amount of fame or money he received as a player.

Today, when you see Leo Messi making a penalty assist to Luis Suarez, allowing Neymar to take a shot from the spot in spite of being on a hat-trick himself and extending a helping hand to Ousmane Dembele at the club, don't you realise where all that humility and helpful nature come from?

He learnt his trade under some great coaches in Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola, but frankly speaking, Messi couldn't have had a greater privilege than taking football and life lessons from football's greatest entertainer ever.