Pedri reflects on Lionel Messi’s mentorship during his first Barcelona season

Midfielder Pedri detailed his initial transition into the Barcelona first team during the 2020 season. After being signed from Las Palmas, Pedri and teammate Rafael Trincao struggled to integrate into a locker room filled with established veterans. The player noted that he and Rafael Trincao initially spent extra time in the gym to avoid interacting with senior figures like Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Lionel Messi eventually approached the newcomers to invite them into the dressing room, which helped the young players settle into the squad. Pedri and Lionel Messi remained teammates for one season before the veteran departed for PSG in 2021. Pedri stated he remains grateful for the guidance provided by the Argentine legend during that period.

• 6:54 AMYahoo Sports — ‘We were like puppies’ – Pedri reveals how Lionel Messi welcomed him into the Barcelona locker room