Albert Dalmau, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, reflected on his time training with Lionel Messi in the club’s first team. Although he debuted with the senior squad, Dalmau didn’t manage to secure a long-term place under Pep Guardiola’s management and later moved on to other Spanish clubs.
During a recent 'Montiliving' episode, Dalmau recounted a training drill where he didn’t even try to take the ball from Messi in a one-on-one exercise, knowing it was almost impossible. Hosts suggested this might have boosted Messi’s confidence during those sessions.
He also described Messi at that time as quiet, calm, and polite—certainly not yet the vocal leader he grew into later. Dalmau emphasized that he had no conflicts with Messi during their time together.
These stories shed light on Messi’s development within Barcelona’s ranks and highlight the admiration and respect he inspired among his peers, even early in his career.
