The young player in the video had an unparalleled feel for the ball and was extremely agile, looking like a young Maradona.
"The Clarín": "This is one of the most talented young players in Argentina. He is two years younger than Deng Kai, but his ball sense—Deng Kai will never be able to catch up."
"Didn't Deng Kai say he was invited by La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy? That's just his own claim—who knows if it's true? But this Messi is already being followed by La Masia scouts in Argentina."
"So back to the question again—Deng Kai, which Argentine player are you sponsoring? Could it be your second uncle's cousin's brother working in Argentina?"
Clarín was going crazy!
They must have done their homework on China and clearly understood the situation there.
Terms like "migrant workers" were practically national buzzwords.
Even expressions like "second uncle" carried strong mainland cultural flavor.
This time, Deng Kai was questioned again.
At the same time, Messi's highlight videos spread across Europe.
Deng Kai was two years older than Messi, and some of his goals could compete for the Puskás Award. But even with a few more years of development, it would still be difficult for Deng Kai to play like Messi.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo—one of the most talented Portuguese players of the 1984–1986 generation—was not far ahead of Messi in terms of ball feel.
As the incident approached its climax, Ronaldo started to feel a bit worried for Deng Kai.
"Kai, although this Messi looks small and not very noticeable, his ball control is unmatched. I'm afraid you can't compete with that," Ronaldo hinted subtly—was that foundation being used for tax tricks?
You should plan ahead.
Deng Kai didn't buy it: "What? So you think you can compete with me?"
Cristiano Ronaldo froze for a moment before stammering, "Ball feel isn't everything. He can't score like I do."
Deng Kai nodded: "That's true—you each have your own strengths."
Ronaldo looked confused—why do you sound like you know both of us so well?
I was just talking—are you seriously comparing him to me?
As the new season approached, for the first time in history, football circles in Portugal and Argentina were focused on a youth player.
No one even cared whether Simão, who transferred for €20 million, could adapt to Barcelona or integrate into such a big move.
August 19th.
Two days before Sporting Lisbon U17's first match of the new season.
Deng Kai posted a video on his social media.
It was Messi's highlight reel published by Clarín.
The caption read:
"Unbelievable… so this is Messi!"
"Let me say something Messi's father might not like—are you sure Messi isn't Maradona's son? His talent is insane. I have no doubt he'll become one of the best players in the world."
"This is the most terrifying dribbling and ball control I've ever seen."
"Come on, Messi—keep improving."
"I only ask one thing: stay humble. That's a virtue that's almost extinct among Argentinians."
"If one day you're unhappy playing in that country, both Portugal and China will welcome you."
Many people found Deng Kai's post confusing.
Why are you giving advice to Messi?
Do you even know each other?
Clarín had published Messi's video to prove Deng Kai's mediocrity and to deny the existence of the "Argentine fan" Deng Kai claimed to support.
Their goal was to prove Deng Kai's foundation was just a tool for making money and avoiding taxes.
Then use that to morally and legally destroy him.
Finally, extend the logic—if Deng Kai is wrong, then everything he did is wrong.
Which means the Argentinians who took his seat were right.
Taking someone's seat becomes justified.
And the one who lost the seat deserved it.
Ridiculous?
But disturbingly convincing.
Even if it's gangster logic, many people would still fall for it—and some already had.
Back in China, although most people supported Deng Kai, a small group still defended the Argentinians, blindly praising them and accusing Deng Kai of damaging China's image.
Even in Europe, many interpreted Deng Kai's comments about Messi as weakness.
He was scared.
He was backing down.
So Clarín pressed further:
"Do you think saying a few nice words will distract us? Now answer the question—who is that fan you claim to support?"
"Or does he not exist at all?"
…
Early the next morning, Deng Kai's phone kept buzzing.
Messi was messaging him.
Messi: I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
Deng Kai: It's okay, it's not your fault.
Messi: I don't want people to misunderstand you like this.
Deng Kai: I'm fine, but what they said about my homeland really hurt me. China is a beautiful place—you'll like it if you visit someday.
The people are hardworking and kind. The Argentinian media can slander me, but they shouldn't insult them.
Hard work is never wrong. Migrant workers shouldn't be mocked. We help build the world. Chinese workers stand for quality… I need to put in some eye drops. I cried all night, and my vision is blurry today.
Messi: Kai? Are you okay? Kai! I'll go talk to them—just wait, I'll make things clear!
Half an hour later.
Deng Kai: I'm back. Messi? Are you still there? Don't say anything! This will hurt your career! They'll blame you!
After hitting send, Cristiano Ronaldo shook his head in disbelief: "Honestly, you're too damn sneaky."
Deng Kai looked at him, signaling him to continue.
"You were clearly at the computer the whole time. You saw his messages, but you waited half an hour to reply, pretending you didn't see them," Ronaldo said, stunned. "I always thought Marques was a schemer, but compared to you, he's just a puppy—you're the real big dog."
"And those eye drops? You need them because you stayed up all night texting with Anne Hathaway!"
"What does that have to do with Messi?"
"You're manipulating him! That's low as hell!"
Deng Kai shrugged: "Sorry, where I come from, this isn't called despicable—it's called 'green tea.' Also, I'm glad to see you care about Messi so much. I hope you'll treat him like this in the future."
Ronaldo frowned: "Why not? He seems like a nice guy. I think we could become friends. Of course, that depends on whether his football taste improves—and he becomes my fan instead of someone like you who can't even ride a bicycle."
Deng Kai shook his head.
Ronaldo, you have no idea…
In the future, you'll be chasing after this little fan of mine.
If it weren't for those three Champions League titles, you'd be completely crushed by him.
…
At noon that day, a young player approached a reporter from the Financial Times and revealed something.
At first, the reporter didn't want to listen—until the boy said he was the player supported by Deng Kai.
The reporter looked at the boy again.
Then he looked at the video of Argentina's young football genius on his phone.
He froze.
His whole body trembled.
He realized—
He had just struck gold.
Jackpot!
This was the biggest scoop in Argentina right now!
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