Premier League Club's Biggest Regret: Passing on Messi for a Jailed Player

Lionel Messi was very close to playing in the Premier League as a team was able to sign him for a very low price. According to a report, Manchester City sought his signature in 2008 for only 36 million to Barcelona, but in the end chose Robinho, who is currently in jail due to a rape accusation.

Lionel Messi and Robinho: A Tale of Two Footballing Journeys

Lionel Messi and Robson de Souza, commonly known as Robinho, are two Brazilian and Argentine footballers whose careers have been intertwined by the global nature of football, but their stories have followed very different trajectories. While Messi's journey is widely regarded as one of the most successful and consistent in the history of the sport, Robinho's career serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of stardom and the challenges that accompany it. The two players have shared moments in footballing history, but their paths, both on and off the field, reflect distinct contrasts in terms of talent, success, and legacy.

Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, was born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1987. His early years in football were shaped by his prodigious talent, which saw him join Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at the age of 13. Messi’s journey to stardom was not without its obstacles, notably his battle with a growth hormone deficiency, but his ability to overcome these challenges only highlighted his resilience and determination. By 2004, at the age of 17, Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona, and from that moment onward, his career exploded.

Over the next 17 years, Messi would go on to rewrite the record books. At Barcelona, he won numerous La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, as well as six Ballon d’Or awards. His extraordinary dribbling, playmaking, and goal-scoring ability earned him global acclaim. Messi’s vision and technical skills made him a unique talent—his capacity to score goals in nearly every conceivable way and assist teammates with pinpoint passes set him apart. Messi’s impact was not limited to club football; he was instrumental in leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, securing the one major international trophy that had eluded him for years.

Robinho, on the other hand, had the potential to reach similar heights as Messi early in his career. Born in São Vicente, Brazil, in 1984, Robinho was hailed as a prodigy from a young age. His flair, skill, and creativity on the ball drew comparisons to the greats of Brazilian football, and by the time he was 18, Robinho made his professional debut for Santos, his hometown club. The young forward's dazzling performances caught the attention of European clubs, and in 2005, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid.

At Real Madrid, Robinho's technical ability was apparent, and his style of play was reminiscent of the Brazilian greats who had come before him. With his quick feet, close ball control, and ability to take on defenders, he became a fan favorite. However, despite his undeniable talent, Robinho’s career never reached the level of sustained excellence that many had anticipated. His time at Real Madrid was marked by inconsistency, and in 2008, he moved to Manchester City, where he was part of a new era at the club. Unfortunately, Robinho’s performances were often erratic, and his time in England was brief before he returned to Brazil to play for Santos again.

Robinho’s struggles in Europe were compounded by personal issues and controversies that overshadowed his on-field brilliance. While he had spells of brilliance, including his time in the Brazilian national team, where he was part of the squad that won the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Robinho’s career was ultimately marred by a lack of consistency, a series of club changes, and off-field distractions. Unlike Messi, who thrived at Barcelona and built an empire around his name, Robinho failed to secure the same level of success in his club career, despite his immense natural talent.

In contrast to Messi, whose focus on football and dedication to his craft has been a defining characteristic, Robinho’s career demonstrated the challenges that many talented players face, including the pressure of living up to early expectations and dealing with the distractions that come with fame. Messi’s success is attributed to his relentless commitment to improving and his ability to adapt to different challenges. Robinho’s journey, while full of promise, serves as a cautionary tale about how talent alone is not always enough to guarantee success at the highest levels of football.

While their careers have unfolded in very different ways, the comparison between Messi and Robinho offers insights into the unpredictable nature of football. Messi’s journey is one of sustained excellence and an unmatched ability to redefine greatness, while Robinho’s career reflects the difficulties of maintaining success amidst the pressures and demands of professional football. Both players have made indelible marks on the sport, but their legacies are a reflection of their different paths.

As of 2025, Messi remains one of the most influential and decorated players in history, while Robinho, now retired, is remembered for the flashes of brilliance he showed throughout his career. Messi’s trajectory is a testament to the rewards of hard work, consistency, and resilience, while Robinho’s career serves as a reminder that talent alone does not always guarantee lasting success.