Adrián Coria's first impression of Messi

Adrián Coria, a youth coach at Newell's Old Boys, encountered Lionel Messi when he was just 12 years old. At first glance, Messi's small stature and delicate appearance led Coria to doubt his abilities. He described Messi as looking like a 'dwarf' and being 'too fragile' to excel in football. However, this initial impression quickly changed as Coria observed Messi's unique skills on the field. He recognized that Messi possessed an extraordinary talent that set him apart from his peers. Coria's insight into Messi's potential was not just a fleeting observation; it was a profound realization that he was witnessing the emergence of a future football legend. This early recognition of Messi's capabilities would later be validated as he went on to achieve unprecedented success in the sport, becoming one of the greatest football players in history. Coria's experience highlights the importance of looking beyond physical attributes to identify true talent, a lesson that resonates in sports and beyond.