Date: January 2–5, 2005Setting: Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, BarcelonaFocus: Post-holiday training, self-improvement, and upcoming match preparation
Return to Camp
Barcelona's training ground felt colder now — not just in weather, but in mood.
Vacations were over. Laughter was replaced by the sound of boots on frozen grass. Coaches barked instructions. Physios carried charts. Every player had one thought:
Second half. No mistakes.
Messi arrived early, as always. But this time, he didn't go straight to the locker room. Instead, he headed to the small gym tucked behind the weight room.
He removed his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and approached the mirror.
"I don't want to get big," he whispered to himself. "Just strong. Fast. Sharp."
The New Routine
Under the guidance of fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura, Messi began a focused muscle program:
Core stability
Resistance band work
Bodyweight circuits
Light dumbbell curls
Plank holds
High-rep ab crunches
His goal wasn't power. It was control. Balance. Durability. And slowly, as sweat ran down his back and his shirt clung to him, he saw it:
Lines forming. Definition coming.His body was changing.So was he.
Interview Before Return Match
Ahead of their next La Liga fixture against Mallorca, Barça allowed select media into camp.
Messi, usually shy, agreed to a short interview.
Journalist: "Leo, many say you've been the best player in the first half of the season. Do you feel like a star now?"
Messi:(smiling, soft voice)
"No, not really. I feel lucky. I play for a club full of stars. I just try to learn from them every day."
Journalist: "Is there pressure now? To be the difference-maker every match?"
Messi:
"Pressure is good. It means people believe in you. But I'm still just getting started. I've scored some goals — now I want to improve everything."
Journalist: "Anything to say to fans back home in Rosario?"
Messi:(grinning)
"Gracias. And I'll keep giving my best — for them, and for Barça."
Behind the Eyes
In the locker room, some teammates joked about magazine covers and new endorsements. Messi sat quietly, tightening his boots, stretching his ankles, thinking.
He wasn't thinking about fame. Or interviews. Or even goals.
He thought about his legs. His lungs. His timing.
"Be faster. Smarter. Stronger."He didn't want to be good. He wanted to be ready.
Preparing for Mallorca
The team trained hard for the away clash. Mallorca sat mid-table, but they were physical and good on the break. Rijkaard warned them:
"This is how titles are lost. Not in stadiums like Madrid. But in places like Palma, in cold wind, on half-empty grounds."
Ronaldinho slapped Messi's back before training.
"We carry this team now, little brother. Let's fly again."
Messi nodded, tucking his gloves tight.
Notebook Entry – January 5, 2005
Anto,It feels like I'm building something now. Not just memories. But my body. My mind. I want to be stronger without losing speed.The world sees my goals. But I see what I miss. Every wrong touch. Every half-second late.The mirror shows me change. But I'll stay the same inside. Rosario boy. Quiet. Focused. Still just chasing a ball.— Leo
Next Match Preview – La Liga: Mallorca vs. Barcelona
Date: January 8, 2005
Location: Son Moix Stadium, Palma
Barcelona Status: Top of the league, 14 wins, 3 draws, unbeaten
Mallorca Status: 13th place, strong at home, rough on tackles
Key Battle: Messi and Ronaldinho vs. physical midfield line