The 39-year-old won every major trophy, and shattered many records, during his prime years at the Nou Camp

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Lionel Messi has revealed how Ronaldinho and Barcelona's senior stars helped him overcome his nerves as a teenager, urging him to forget their reputations and simply enjoy playing football.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner entered Frank Rijkaard's first-team environment aged just 16, making his debut in a friendly against Porto.

Despite his talent, the young Argentine found himself intimidated by a dressing room filled with established names.

Speaking to students in Oviedo on Thursday, ahead of receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, Messi explained how their encouragement helped him settle.