Lionel Messi possessed his trademark spark as a youngster and "left a trail of bodies behind him" even though his clothes did not fit, recalls the 31-year-old's Argentina team-mate Ever Banega.
Banega was a contemporary of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in the Newell's Old Boys academy and claims he often played against Messi despite being a year younger.
The Barcelona star recently returned to action for Argentina in their 3-1 loss to Venezuela last week, although he picked up a groin injury during that game and has received criticism for his part in the disappointing result.