Messi: 'Tito was the first person who had faith in me because at the time, I was a substitute or didn't play'

"I have known him (Tito) since I was a kid," Lionel Messi said of Tito Vilanova in an interview with El Pais in 2012.

"Tito was the first person who had faith in me because at the time, I was a substitute or didn't play, and he was the one who made me starter in the Under-16 category."

After winning every major trophy with Barcelona in four years as Pep Guardiola's assistant, Vilanova succeeded the latter in the Camp Nou dugout in 2012.

Tito claimed the La Liga title in his only season at the helm of the Catalans while suffering from parotid gland cancer for the second time. Vilanova passed away on April 25, 2014, almost one year after resigning from Barca.

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Tito Vilanova 'convinced Messi to stay' 6 days before death – Leo later opened up on the talk

It's been exactly 7 years since we're without Tito Vilanova.

In 2019, Tito's former assistant manager Jordi Roura supposed that Messi and Vilanova were talking about Leo's future in their last private chat.

"It occurred when Tito was at a delicate moment and it is true that, at that time, Leo was not clear about staying. They met and even though I wasn't there, I know they spent a lot of time talking," Roura told Radio Kanal Barcelona.

"From there, Leo changed his approach and saw something that he had not seen so clearly. I don't know what they spoke about, but Leo decided to stay and we hope he will be here for many years," he added.

Later, Messi himself said a few words about that talk - not revealing any details.

"We had many conversations, but we always talked about football and what happened in the games or what could happen. The most special was the last one because it was a farewell too."

Tito Vilanova won the 2012/13 La Liga by a record point margin while suffering from cancer. Tito passed away on April 25, 2014.

Tito Vilanova's son: 'The best tribute to my father would be to put trust in La Masia'

During his interview with La Vanguardia, Tito Vilanova's son, Adria Vilanova, was asked about his father's legacy at Barcelona.

"I think he stands out for betting on eleven La Masia players in one match. My father trusted La Masia, he trusted those players who have spent their lives assimilating the values and the way of playing. I'd say that, and winning La Liga with 100 points. Although it sounds a bit selfish, I hope that record is never beaten."

"The best tribute would be to trust La Masia. He did it and made a difference.

"Is it more difficult to count on La Masia now? We are going through difficult times. Araujo and Mingueza are getting minutes, but then there is the case of Riqui Puig or Carles Alena. They're players who, in the end, feel the colours and understand the ideas. They should get more minutes."

Tito Vilanova worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant for four years and then lead the team himself during the 2012-13 season. Back in November 2012, Barca played with 11 academy graduates as Martin Montoya had to replace injured Dani Alves. The line-up that night was: Valdes; Montoya, Puyol, Pique, Alba; Busquets, Fabregas, Xavi; Pedro, Messi, Iniesta.

As for Adria, he's also a product of La Masia, but he never got the chance to make his senior debut. He left Blaugrana for Hercules in 2017 and currently plays for Gerard Pique's FC Andorra.