A former Barcelona academy star who once outscored Lionel Messi was left unemployed for over a year after quitting football.
Gabriel Santiago Fernandez was a standout striker at Barca’s famous La Masia academy when Messi was coming up the ranks.
And Fernandez, who was referred to by his nickname of ‘Baby’, even outscored the future eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in one of their seasons together.
‘Baby’ was the leading scorer for eight years during his time at La Masia but ultimately left the club following a change in Barca’s management.
But he still, to this day, believes he was better than future footie icon and pal Messi.
He told Toni Paddila Sports 360: “If I’m honest, it was ‘Baby’s Fifth,’ not ‘Messi’s Fifth.’
“For example, in the Brunete and Canal + tournaments, I’m the top scorer and the best player. Both years.
“Messi wasn’t there and he came the following year, and of course, when I saw him coming… of those of us who were theoretically in my position, no one could compete with me.”
He continued: “I was always the top scorer and played everything. But when Messi came to the first training session, I said, ‘Ugh.’
“The thing is, he played at number 10 and I played at number 9, so we were taking each other’s place.”
‘Baby’ turned down a new contract with Barca after falling down the pecking order.
He ended up having stints with Damm, Figueres, Gava, Cordoba, and Almeira before a proposed transfer to Real Mallorca.
But the move fell through as he broke his leg before signing his contract.
He recalled: “With one week left, I go play with my cousins and break my tibia, and of course, since I hadn’t signed it… I lost everything.
“I was out of action for a year and a half and fell into depression.
“I didn’t want to play, my leg was hurting… and I signed with Formentera once I’d recovered.
“I stayed for a year and decided to return to Catalonia and stay playing here.”
Despite seeing the immense success former team-mate Messi has gone on to have, ‘Baby’ insists he has no regrets about how his career panned out.
He said: “I was given many opportunities. They say in life that a train passes you by, but 10 or 12 have passed me by and I haven’t gotten on any of them.
“I don’t regret it. Life takes many twists and turns, and football is very difficult, and thanks to that, I’m with my wife and have three children.”
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