The next morning.
Only three days remained before the first round of the League Cup. Juninho D'Alessandro continued running tightly planned training sessions to solidify tactics and team chemistry.
After the final drills wrapped up, Juninho noticed a small figure watching silently from the sidelines.
"Messi," Juninho called, waving him over.
The boy jogged over quickly and stood before him, trying to contain his excitement.
"You've grown taller," Juninho remarked with a smile.
Though only a few days had passed, it was clear Messi had grown by at least two or three centimeters. The growth hormone treatment Juninho had arranged was working better than expected. The hospital check-up had even confirmed there were no issues—his condition was stabilizing rapidly.
"Thank you, Coach," Messi said gratefully, his eyes shining.
Juninho patted his head gently. "So, what brings you out here?"
"I... I want to train with the first team," Messi said, his tone shy but sincere. Then he lifted his chin and added, "The youth team is too weak. I'm not improving at all."
Juninho raised a brow, but he didn't doubt Messi's words. Even at La Masia—a talent-packed academy—Messi had stood out as a leader. Compared to that, the current Morecambe youth setup really was... lacking.
Still, Juninho hesitated. The physicality of first-team football was brutal. He didn't want Messi to get injured.
Sensing this, Messi quickly added, "Coach, let me try. I'm small, but I'm fast. They won't be able to catch me, let alone hurt me."
Juninho looked into the boy's eyes. The determination there reminded him of all the greats he had seen rise.
"Alright," he finally said.
Messi beamed. "Thank you!"
Just then, a familiar voice called out.
"Hey!"
Juninho and Messi turned to see Ronaldinho approaching with his trademark grin.
Despite not being from the same country, Ronaldinho and Messi had an unspoken bond—two South American prodigies on the same unlikely path. Ronaldinho often dropped by to watch the youth training, always taking time to encourage the quiet Argentine.
"What are you doing here?" Ronaldinho asked as he reached them.
"I asked Coach to let me train with the first team," Messi said, his smile now radiant.
"Oh yeah?" Ronaldinho looked at Juninho, raising an eyebrow. "Boss, really?"
Juninho nodded. "He convinced me."
"I knew it! This kid shouldn't be stuck in the youth team," Ronaldinho said, ruffling Messi's hair. "If you need help or want to train extra, come find me. I've got more experience than you."
"Okay!" Messi replied eagerly.
"Come on, let's grab some lunch. We'll celebrate you joining the first team."
As Ronaldinho wrapped an arm around Messi's shoulders, the young prodigy looked back and waved. "See you later, Coach!"
Juninho smiled and waved back, watching the pair walk off.
Seeing the bond forming between them was reassuring. Even if it happened a few years earlier than in his past life, the chemistry between Ronaldinho and Messi was already unmistakable.
Grow fast, Messi... the team needs you.
---
Meanwhile, as Morecambe trained for the League Cup...
King's College London, one of the top universities in the UK, buzzed with activity. Among its many international students were several young men from East Asia, including two roommates, Li Cheng and his friend.
Inside their modest apartment, Li Cheng clutched a copy of The Times, his voice shaking with excitement.
"An Asian!"
"Huh?" his roommate asked, glancing over.
"Look at this!" Li Cheng jabbed his finger at a headline. "A club owner and head coach from the lower leagues has led his team to nine consecutive victories!"
His roommate's eyes lit up. "Wait—is he one of us?"
Li Cheng flipped through the article, scanning until he found the name. "Here—Juninho D'Alessandro."
The two exchanged confused looks. Then Li Cheng tried again, saying it slower. "Lu Chenfeng... must be the original name, reversed in Western order."
"So... he's Chinese?"
"Ninety percent sure. There's no way that name structure comes from anywhere else."
They stared at the paper for a moment in stunned silence.
"This has to be the only Asian man coaching a team in Europe right now!" Li Cheng exclaimed.
His roommate nodded. "Even if he owns the club, nine wins in a row means he knows what he's doing."
"We need to tell everyone," Li Cheng said, standing up. "All the other Chinese students need to know this. I'm even calling home tonight—this is a huge deal!"
Without waiting for a reply, he dashed out the door. His roommate followed close behind, already guessing what was next: Li Cheng would be knocking on every door in the international student apartments to share the news.
An Asian-born coach, in charge of a European team, winning nine games in a row... It was hard to believe—but it was real.
---