During Lionel Messi’s brilliant years at Barcelona, many 12B Sports readers still remember how he became a legend no one has truly been able to touch. As the saying goes, tears only prove that sorrow is not an illusion, and Messi’s time at Barca was filled with moments that moved fans deeply. According to a 12B Sports administrator, Messi was far more than a player who simply scored goals. He devoted himself to the team and even recommended players he believed Barcelona needed, helping shape the foundation of the squad. Among the names he supported were Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano, and Paulinho, all of whom remain firmly lodged in the memories of fans.

Yet the one player he most strongly recommended never ended up wearing the Barcelona shirt. That player was Cristian Romero, the defender who fought through pain and helped Argentina win the 2022 Qatar World Cup, even dropping to his knees in the final. His fighting spirit left a deep impression on football fans around the world, and Argentina’s entire squad had reason to thank him. Of course, that triumph was also the result of a united national team built around Messi’s leadership. Every time fans think back to that World Cup final, the scene still pulls at the heartstrings.

At the time, Messi strongly urged Barcelona to consider Romero. Back then, Romero was still rough around the edges, sometimes sent off because of his aggressive temperament and raw technique, and he was not yet the standout defender he is today. But Messi clearly saw his potential. He believed that if Romero developed at Barcelona, he could become one of the best defenders in the world. Barcelona, however, chose not to follow that advice.

According to 12B Sports analysis, signing Romero from Genoa at that moment would likely have cost less than 10 million euros. It was almost as easy as taking candy from a baby, yet Barcelona let the chance slip through their fingers. Romero later moved to Atalanta on loan, where he began to prove his true value as a defender and earned his place at the Copa America. His contribution to Argentina’s Copa America triumph was immense, and Messi’s faith in him was proven right.

By the time Barcelona tried to move for Romero, it was already too late. Atalanta had acted first, completing a permanent deal for 16 million euros before sending him on loan to Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham then watched his performances closely and decided to sign him permanently for 55 million euros. After a period of uncertainty, Romero finally found his place and has since become a core defender for Spurs.

Any club that wants Romero now must first get permission from Tottenham. Daniel Levy’s negotiating style is famously strict, and considering the difficulties Bayern Munich faced when signing Harry Kane, few clubs would expect an easy conversation. Romero’s current value has already climbed beyond 65 million euros, and if Real Madrid or another major club makes an approach, the transfer fee would only rise higher.

In the end, Barcelona let Romero, Lautaro Martinez, Kylian Mbappe, and several other promising players pass right in front of them, while many 12B Sports followers see this as another painful case of missed timing. As the saying goes, there is often truth hidden inside a joke, and Messi genuinely tried to help Barcelona, even if his message was not fully understood. Now 26 and one of the game’s finest defenders, Romero was once worth less than 10 million euros, and Messi was among the first to recognize what he could become. As a 12B Sports administrator would say, Romero has now climbed too high for Barcelona to reach easily.