'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Dani Alves (2008 - 2016)
Dani Alves has a place in history as the first Barcelona signing of the Pep Guardiola era; he was arguably the second most important player to Guardiola after Messi.
The Brazil international proved to be a hit on the right flank of defence, and his on-field understanding with Messi proved to be a major catalyst to Barcelona's success.
In eight trophy-laden seasons at Camp Nou, Alves cemented his legacy as a first-class Barcelona legend and was integral to the success enjoyed by both Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.
The 37-year-old is currently the most decorated player in the history of football, with 23 of his trophies coming in the Blaugrana jersey.
The former Sevilla man made 391 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing a staggering 101 assists.
#2 Gerard Pique (2008 - )
Unlike the other names on this list, Gerad Pique began his development at the revered La Masia and was a part of the famed 'Class of '87' alongside Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas.
The World Cup winner returned to Barcelona after a brief spell with Manchester United. The decision to sanction his return ranks of one of the shrewdest decisions of Joan Laporta during his first tenure at the club.
Pique has been a rock at the heart of defence for Barcelona, first partnering Carles Puyol at the height of the club's golden era and later acting as the mentor of younger partners since Puyol's retirement.
The former Spain international has made 558 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona. He is also business savvy, with degrees acquired from prestigious universities. Many have pinpointed him as a future Barcelona president.
#1 Ronaldinho (2003 - 2008)
While Lionel Messi is inarguably the most important player in Barcelona's history, Ronaldinho helped lay the platform for the Rosario native to flourish.
Ronaldinho's arrival was integral to Laporta's presidency, with Laporta promising electorates that was going to bring David Beckham to Camp Nou during his campaign.
The former Manchester United man, however, elected to join Real Madrid, and Barcelona instead turned to Ronaldinho.
That proved to be a masterstroke, and the former Brazil international was key in helping reposition the club at the summit of the domestic and international game.
Ronaldinho's importance to Barcelona cannot be quantified, as he helped reestablish the club both on and off the field. At the time of his signing, Barcelona were in dire straits on all levels and had not won a trophy in five years.
That all changed in a short while, though, as Ronaldinho's otherworldy abilities on the field helped the Blaugrana win the La Liga title two years after his arrival and the UEFA Champions League in 2006.
Ronaldinho won personal accolades in abundance in recognition of his displays, which is evident in his consecutive FIFA World Best Player awards and a Ballon d'Or honour won during this period.
His status as the first global superstar footballer in the social media era also helped boost Barcelona's marketing appeal off the field and made them one of the most valuable football brands. However, his most important role arguably came in him acting as a guide and mentor to Messi during the early stages of the latter's career.
Ronaldinho regularly told anyone who cared to listen that a teenage Messi was better than him and provided invaluable on-field guidance to the fledgeling superstar.
In many ways, it can be argued that the Blaugrana might not have achieved their success of the last 15 years had they not signed Ronaldinho in 2003. It is for this reason the Brazilian ranks as the greatest signing under Joan Laporta.
