The former Blaugrana winger, assistant and coach was convinced by the young Argentine after watching him in action, but says signing him was not easy
Barcelona legend Carles Rexach says he needed only five minutes of watching Lionel Messi to decide that he must sign for the Catalan club.
Rexach, a former team-mate of Johan Cruyff and assistant to the Dutchman in the Dream Team era, was working as a scout at Barca in 2000 when a young Messi arrived on the scene and Charly played a pivotal part in his recruitment.
"I was introduced to him by [agent] Josep Maria Minguella," he told Goal in an exclusive interview.