VIDEO: Lionel Messi's debut as a 16-year-old for Barcelona B squad

As difficult as it is to believe, there was a time when Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was not the all-conquering footballer that he is today.

Ten years ago, before he captured four Ballon d'Or trophies, six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns, Messi was just a fresh-faced 16-year-old making his debut for the Barcelona B squad in a match against Mataro.

Even in that reserve match on March 6, 2004, you could tell there was something very special about the diminutive Argentine.

[Courtesy: FC Barcelona]

Messi's debut in an official contest came less than a year later, when he stepped onto the pitch against Espanyol, playing the final eight minutes in a 1-0 Barcelona victory.

Since that time, all he's done is score 397 goals in 487 appearances for both club and country, while winning the aforementioned accolades.

If only he still had that hair though.