When Lionel Messi took his first steps in Barcelona in 2003, Ronaldinho Gaucho was already showcasing his talent in the Spanish league, specifically in the Catalan club itself. The combination of these two geniuses with the ball led to a memorable moment in 2005, where the Brazilian star assisted in Messi’s first goal with the Barcelona shirt. To celebrate, Messi got on Ronaldinho’s back, causing the Camp Nou to erupt in a 2-0 victory over Albacete.
Ronaldinho hung up his boots with two awards for the best player in the world, both with Barcelona in 2004 and 2005. Messi, still active, continues to play at Inter in Miami, maintaining his star status and top physical form, having recently led Argentina to the World Cup title. He has eight golden balls to his credit, six of which were awarded during his time at Barça, in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2019.
A New Venture for Both Legends
Twenty years after that iconic moment, both athletes have begun to explore their image outside the court, venturing into the life of entrepreneurs. This year, Messi and Ronaldinho premiered services on Brazilian soil that can be enjoyed by fans worldwide, either virtually or face-to-face. The question is, what would be better: immersing oneself in Messi’s career or learning to play ball like Ronaldinho? The answer is that both are possible.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho launched the “Manual Do Bruxo,” an unpublished teaching ecosystem created by the athlete, aiming to promote tactical and technical training for young athletes. The project, carried out in collaboration with Growth Venture and Fame Licens, provides opportunities through tests conducted in several Brazilian capitals. “We call it an ecosystem, precisely because it encompasses a series of fundamental steps for good football practice,” says Fabiano Veronezi, CEO of Fame Licens and mentor of Manual Do Bruxo.
On the other hand, Messi brings “The Messi Experience – A Dream Come True” to São Paulo, an interactive and immersive trip composed of several thematic facilities designed to take visitors through the brilliant career of the player. The exhibition, created by Primo Entertainment and Moment Factory, will be released in April at the Eldorado shopping center, after being launched in Los Angeles, Miami, and Buenos Aires.
“The Messi Experience” is an exhibition that portrays the life and career of the Argentine star, with an approximate duration of 75 minutes. The idea is to revive and convey to the public, through immersive experiences, the trajectory of Messi since he was young in Rosario, Argentina, until he won the World Cup in Qatar 2022 and other memorable moments. For Leo Messi, the exhibition will be a way to connect with different people through their passion for football.
In the case of Ronaldinho Gaúcho with Manual Do Bruxo, the tests will be coordinated by several sports professionals, including performance analysts, soccer clubs, former coaches, and former athletes. Ronaldinho Gaúcho will be present in the third and last phase, encouraging and inspiring the finalists. The athletes who perform best at the end of the Magic Manual Evaluation process will be entitled to prizes, with nine categories: Sub 7, Sub 9, Sub 11, Sub 13, Sub 15, Sub 17, Sub 19, Sub 21, and Sub 22+.
Students will also have the opportunity to learn from tactical analyst Diego Vieira, CEO of Outlier FC and project partner, who currently works with Real Madrid striker Endrick, Andreas Pereira del Fulham, Magno Talles del Corinthians, among other outstanding players. Experts believe that Messi’s image will be perpetual for everything he built on and outside the pitch, which must continue to be explored with emphasis for many decades to come.
“He is a footballer capable of attracting the looks around the world towards him for the successful race he has built over the years and for what he represents outside the field as well. Football lovers influenced by Messi will continue to consume everything that revolves around him,” says Renê Salviano, general director of Heatmap and sports marketing specialist. The enormous competition to see Messi and the growth of various income streams show that the status of superstar of the best footballer in the world is able to attract an audience that goes beyond football lovers, according to Ivan Martinho, Professor of Sports Marketing at the ESPM.