Date: March 1–2, 2005Setting: Barcelona – La Masia, Camp NouFocus: Training before the Betis second leg, pressure mounts, personal letter arrives from Rosario
The days between matches were never truly quiet.
Even when the pitch was empty, the noise found its way in — through newspapers, fans, and the silent hum of pressure that hung over Camp Nou like mist.
Messi trained harder than ever.He stayed late after team sessions, working alone on free kicks, firing ball after ball at the top corner with that same silent determination.
Rijkaard watched from a distance.
"He's chasing something," the coach murmured to his assistant."But I don't think it's fame."
La Masia – Late Evening, March 1
Messi was alone in the gym, shirt soaked, doing core routines.
Sit-ups. Planks. Controlled breathing.
He didn't want bulky muscle — just definition. Strength without sacrifice. A lean frame that moved like silk but took hits like steel.
As he finished his third round, the physio entered.
"Leo, you've got mail."
"Mail?"
"From Rosario. Your mom's handwriting."
Messi paused. He wiped his hands, took the envelope, and sat on the bench.
He opened it carefully, as if it might break.
The Letter
Mi querido Lionel,I saw the highlights. They showed your goal in the Copa on the news here. Your dad clapped. I think he cried after you left, even if he won't say it.Antonella came by yesterday. She didn't say much, but she watched your old tapes for over an hour. She smiled. I think she misses you, even if she doesn't know how to say it.You looked thin on TV. Eat more, Leo.No matter how high you climb, remember that when you fall — it's our arms that will catch you.We love you.— Mamá
He stared at it for a long time.
Then folded it, slid it into his training journal, and whispered:
"Gracias, Mamá."
March 2 – Final Training Before Real Betis (2nd Leg)
The air was cold, the turf slick.
Ronaldinho trained lightly on the side but wasn't ready yet. Rijkaard confirmed Messi would start again.
The players knew.They'd seen enough.They no longer called him "el pibe" or "the kid."
They just called him Messi.
Tactical Meeting – That Night
The plan was simple: protect the 3–1 advantage from the first leg, but keep control.
Rijkaard emphasized: no early risks, no showboating, use the wings.
But when he pointed to Messi's name on the board, he said something different:
"Leo — if there's a moment to strike, take it. Don't wait for permission."
Elsewhere in Football – March 2 Headlines
Premier League: Chelsea's unbeaten streak continues, but Arsenal signs 16-year-old Theo Walcott from Southampton — a move that raises eyebrows.
Serie A: Roma shock Juventus with a 2–0 win. Totti scores and celebrates with a shirt that says "Game Still On."
Bundesliga: Ballack hints at leaving Bayern in the summer. Talks with Chelsea and Manchester United reported.
South America: Corinthians sign Argentine striker Carlos Tevez from Boca Juniors. Brazil media calls it the "biggest domestic signing of the decade."
Youth Football: Spain's U-17 team dominated Portugal 4–0. Young midfielder Cesc Fàbregas named MVP.
Notebook Entry – March 2, 2005
Anto,I got a letter from home today. From Mamá.She told me to eat more. To rest. To come home if it ever gets too much.But it's not too much. Not yet.Tomorrow, we play Betis again. We're ahead. But I want to finish it.I want to give something back to this club that gave me a chance.And I want you to see me score again.— Leo
Lionel Messi – Training Performance Notes
Free Kick Routine: 5 sessions this week; scored 4 in training
Muscle Conditioning: Core definition improved; coach notes increased balance/resistance
Dribbling Rounds: Completed 9/10 one-on-one drills in tight space
Passing Efficiency (training match): 91%
Post-training interviews (local press): Messi praised Rijkaard for "letting him be himself"
Upcoming Match Preview
Copa del Rey – Semi-Final, Second Leg
Date: March 3, 2005
Fixture: Real Betis vs. FC Barcelona
Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín
Aggregate: Barcelona leads 3–1
Kickoff: 9:00 PM
Injury Watch: Ronaldinho (hamstring – not risked), Giuly (match fit), Iniesta expected to start
Key Matchup: Messi vs. Juanito (Betis' most physical CB)
Lionel Messi – Updated Stats (as of March 2, 2005)
Season (Club):
Matches: 30
Goals: 19
Assists: 20
Free Kick Goals: 1 (match), 7 (training)
Dribbles Completed: 148
Fouls Suffered: 68
Interviews: 4 conducted; praised for humility, respectfulness
Total Career Stats (Club + Country)
Total Matches: 30
Total Goals: 19
Total Assists: 20
Dribbles Completed: 148
National Team Matches: 0
National Team Goals/Assists: 0 / 0