Messi's Childhood Coach Reflects on Early Retirement After Training a Superstar

Enrique Dominguez, Lionel Messi's childhood coach, stepped away from coaching at the young age of 45 after training what he describes as "the best player in the world." The remarkable talent of the Argentine footballer, who hailed from Rosario, left a profound impact on Dominguez's career. As Messi prepares for his sixth World Cup, the legacy of his early years continues to resonate in his hometown.

Born in a working-class neighborhood, Messi grew up in La Bajada, a place that has become a pilgrimage site for football enthusiasts. His childhood home, adorned with murals celebrating his extraordinary journey, serves as a reminder of his roots. One mural features the phrase, "From another galaxy but from my neighborhood," illustrating the adoration his community has for him.

Walter Barrera, a friend from Messi's youth, reminisces about their shared adventures, including a mischievous shortcut to school that led to a memorable encounter with a military guard. "We were a little bit unruly but we weren't bad kids," he chuckled. Despite dabbling in various sports, it was clear from an early age that Messi's passion lay in football.

Dominguez, who coached Messi at Newell's Old Boys, expressed his awe at Messi's innate abilities. "For me, he was like a gift from God," he shared. "What Leo does on the field today he was already doing at the age of 12." His retirement came soon after Messi's early rise, as the coach realized there was little he could teach a player with such extraordinary talent.

Adrian Coria, another of Messi's early coaches, spoke about the financial hardships faced by Messi's family during his formative years. His father, Jorge, often worried about affording the trip to training sessions due to their limited means. When Lionel was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, his family took decisive action that would change their lives. They arranged for him to join FC Barcelona's famed youth academy, La Masia, which not only accepted him but also funded his medical treatment. "He knew what he wanted. He wanted to be a footballer, he wanted to be the best," Coria recalled.