In the lower ranks of football clubs like Barcelonawhere Lio Messi started his career, the level of competition is fierce. For players like Juanjo Clausí, Even sharing a team with future world stars does not always guarantee professional success.
Clausí, who came to play alongside the captain of the Argentine National Team in The Masiastood out on his team as the person in charge of free throws, relegating “La Pulga” to a secondary role in this facet of the game. However, their paths took very different paths, leaving one as the best in the world and the other in a job far from the courts.
What was the relationship between Lionel Messi and Juanjo Clausí like?
Juanjo and Lionel shared four seasons in the youth categories of the Barcelona. As the Spaniard recalled, both became close friends during their time at La Masía, even living a few blocks from the Camp Nou. On the field, Messi played as a midfielder, while Clausí occupied the left wing.
From the beginning, The Flea caught the attention of his peers for his extraordinary talent. “When he arrived, we were all fascinated. Although they had lowered him to Infant B because of his height, they quickly raised him to our category because It was impressive“, Clausí said. Together they were part of a legendary litter which included figures such as Gerard Piqué and Cesc Fàbregas.
At that time, Clausí had a prominent role as the specialist in free kicks and corners of the team. “I was the one in charge of the stopped balls, although I probably let him throw some to Messi,” he mentioned with humor. Although this detail may seem anecdotal today, at that time it demonstrated the high level of competitiveness in the group.
Off the pitch, Juanjo described Messi as a shy young man who barely spoke, but whose humility and talent made him stand out. He fondly recalled a tournament in Italy where Lio, known for his silence, said something in front of the team, prompting spontaneous applause from everyone.
The Spanish player also reflected on what it takes to succeed in professional football. “Talent is not enough. You need a coach to trust you and, furthermore, a good representative. I didn’t have that and I think that was the difference,” he explained. Despite their differences in destiny, he expressed pride in having shared a locker room with who he considers the best player in the world.
Juanjo Clausí’s life after playing football
While Messi reached the top of world football, Clausí decided to take a different path. After several years in amateur football, opted for a career in industrial maintenance, a profession that provides stability outside of sport.
Currently, he works in Colón Catarroja Spare Partsat the same time that he plays as an amateur in the UD Castellonensein the Second Division B of Spain. Although his life no longer revolves around professional football, he has not lost contact with the sport, participating in local leagues.
Despite not having reached the big leagues, Juanjo Clausí proudly preserves the memories of his years in Barcelona with Messi. “It is an honor to have shared a dressing room with him. and other great players. Although my goals were different, that experience is something that no one can take away from me,” he said.
The contrast between the fates of Clausí and Messi reflects the realities of youth football, where talent may not be enough without the right opportunities. However, the Spaniard’s story remains a reminder of how sport can leave indelible marks on life, regardless of the path one takes.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
