Lionel Messi debut: Relive Barcelona superstar’s first appearance 15 years on

The Argentine has since made 692 appearances and scored 604 goals to establish himself as the club’s greatest ever player

Messi makes his debut for Barcelona in 2004 vs Espanyol (Dugout)

It has been 15 years since Lionel Messi made his debut for Barcelona and a new era was born.

The magnificent Argentine has since played 692 times for the Blaugrana, establishing himself as arguably the greatest player of all time.

With 604 goals, 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues, Messi is the king of the Nou Camp.

It was Frank Rijkaard would placed his faith in a 17-year-old Messi back in 2004.

Replacing Deco with eight minutes to go in the 1-0 win over Espanyol, those in attendance saw the first steps of a legendary journey.

“It is a very important date with regard to my career,” Messi recalled. “I was able to fulfil my childhood dream.

“The truth is that it was a very happy day. I was happy, but also very nervous.

Messi has since scored 604 goals for the Blaugrana (Getty)

“When I got on, I just enjoyed the moment. I remember I had a really good chance against the goalkeeper, but I didn’t get hold of it.

“Rijkaard came up to me after the game and said that I missed the chance.”