The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient engaged in a comprehensive interview with Fernando Polo for Mundo Deportivo, reminiscing about his tenure at Barcelona, where he astonishingly netted 672 goals in 778 appearances. ..Continue Reading
Messi joined Barcelona at 13 and spent 21 years with the Blaugrana, who are celebrating their 125th anniversary as a club.
Currently, Messi plays in the MLS for Inter Miami, a team that recently appointed his former Argentina and Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano as the new manager.
Reflecting on his remarkable time at Barcelona, Messi singled out Pep Guardiola and Ronaldinho as the two figures who had the most significant impact on him.
Beyond Ronaldinho, who mentored him in his early days, Messi also praised former teammates Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, along with his current Inter Miami colleagues Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
Messi concluded by honoring the late Tito Vilanova, Barca’s former coach who passed away a decade ago at the age of 45.
“Guardiola and Ronaldinho are the persons who left the biggest mark on me in Barcelona,” Messi said.
“Pep, because he was my coach for many years, and we achieved incredible things we could have never imagined.
“And Ronaldinho, because of the way he welcomed me, how he helped me, and how much that meant to me during my first moments with the first team.
“I also remember Iniesta and Xavi a lot as teammates, as well as the three who play with me here in Miami, who are also friends. And, of course, a special mention for Tito Vilanova, whom we miss so much.”
Messi expressed to Barcelona fans that he misses them “very much” and looks forward to the possibility of seeing them soon. He also holds aspirations that Barca will reclaim their winning form under the guidance of Hansi Flick.
Since Messi’s departure, the Catalan club has secured only one La Liga title but are presently leading Real Madrid by four points as they near the halfway mark of the season.
He added: “As a Barca player, you can never settle for being second or not winning, because the members and the fans demand the most from you.
“Being the best club in the world entails a very high demand. I would love to see Barca win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and also the Champions League again. And in the years that it is not possible, at least compete until the last moment.”
