Lionel Messi has always made a deep impression, even as a child. Huracán goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez remembered facing him frequently in Rosario. Both played in youth divisions, with Galíndez representing Rosario Central. Messi played for Newell’s, and recently the goalkeeper revealed a striking detail. Rivals called him “El Colorado que juega con la 10”. According to Galíndez, hearing that nickname meant starting mentally three goals behind.
In an interview with ESPN, Galíndez described the impact of young Messi. “He was a beast,” he recalled. He emphasized that current videos accurately reflect Messi’s early talent. Galíndez highlighted Messi’s ball control and ability to destabilize opponents. The goalkeeper shared his first memory as a keeper: he conceded a goal after an extraordinary individual play. Messi dribbled past five players, including Galíndez himself, leaving a lasting impression.
Admiration grew over the years and solidified in professional matches
According to Mundo Deportivo, Galíndez mentioned that Messi played at Abanderado Grandoli, a club near his home and his grandparents’ house. They crossed paths frequently in that neighborhood setting. Later, their careers diverged, but fate reunited them many years later. As professionals, Galíndez faced Messi while defending Ecuador. He said that duel filled him with pride and recalled the match at the Monumental Stadium, which Argentina won 1-0. After the game, they exchanged jerseys.
“EL COLORADITO QUE JUEGA CON LA 10” 🔟🐐🇦🇷
Hernán Galíndez, uno que conoce a Lionel Messi desde muy pequeños. pic.twitter.com/ti15F1COtH— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) December 11, 2025
Galíndez shared a family anecdote. His son wanted Messi’s jersey, so Galíndez contacted Leo Campana, Messi’s Inter Miami teammate. Campana tried to get a jersey and suggested asking Messi directly after the match. The exchange happened smoothly, leaving a lasting memory for the family.
With experience in Chilean and Scottish clubs, Galíndez deeply values that memory. Facing the best player in the world completed an emotional cycle for him. Messi influenced his childhood, training, and professional life. The goalkeeper praised Messi’s humility and celebrated witnessing his greatness from such an early age. Galíndez’s words confirm one truth: Messi left a mark from his earliest years.
