The prodigy 'better than Messi' faced an unexpected turn of events

Once regarded as a talent surpassing Messi at La Masia, Gabriel “Baby” Fernandez has now fallen into obscurity and unemployment after a severe injury ruined his career.

Gabriel Santiago Fernandez, also known by the nickname “Baby,” was once expected to become a major star in Spanish football. During his years at the prestigious La Masia academy, he was even rated higher than Lionel Messi. However, while Messi rose to the pinnacle of glory, “Baby” disappeared from the football scene, leaving behind a tragic story of talent that bloomed early but faded quickly.

In the early 2000s, Fernandez was the leading scorer for Barcelona’s youth teams. He consistently scored goals and was the top scorer at La Masia for several seasons. At one point, “Baby” even outscored Messi in the same youth season. Coaches at the time believed the Spanish striker had even greater potential than his smaller Argentine teammate.

However, the turning point came when Barcelona changed their coaching staff, resulting in “Baby” losing his place in the development plans. He refused to sign a new contract due to lack of trust and left Barca after eight years of association.

Fernandez drifted through various lower-division Spanish clubs and came very close to signing with Real Mallorca. But cruel fate shattered all hopes.

“Just one week before signing the contract, I was playing football with my cousins and broke my shinbone. Since I hadn’t signed officially, I lost everything. I had to rest for over a year and a half and fell into depression. I didn’t want to play anymore, my leg hurt constantly... After recovering, I signed with Formentera, then returned to Catalonia to play semi-professionally,” Fernandez recounted on the program Sports 360.

While Fernandez struggled with injury and mental health issues, Messi, his former “rival” at La Masia, kept soaring. The Argentine superstar won countless titles with Barcelona, moved to PSG, and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory. Nevertheless, Fernandez still believes that in their youth, he was the superior player.

“To be honest, I was the best player and top scorer. When Messi arrived, I knew he was very talented, but I was always the leader,”

Now, in middle age, Fernandez lives a simple life with his wife and three children. “I have no regrets. Life has many twists. Football is harsh, but thanks to it, I have the happiness I enjoy today,” he said.