Lionel Messi has been, for many, the best player of all time. His legacy at Barça is incomparable, with titles, records, and a unique connection with the fans. But even the greatest hide a lesser-known side.
For years, the '10' was the absolute emblem of Camp Nou. With his magical soccer, he transformed Barça into one of the most feared clubs on the planet. However, not everything was smiles and applause inside the locker room.
Messi, Global Idol... But Not Infallible
Although he always projected a serene and humble image from the outside, inside the locker room there were moments of tension. His ambition and demands also led him to intense episodes. Some teammates have recounted it with reservations; others, like now, without a filter.
Already during the Qatar World Cup, his most competitive side was seen. That "What are you looking at, fool?" to Weghorst went around the world in seconds. It was a sign that Messi, like anyone, also has his difficult days.
Another well-known case was his confrontation with Luis Enrique at Barça. The versions even spoke of a physical clash in a training session. Jordi Masip himself claimed they were "about to come to blows."
Ter Stegen Breaks the Silence
Now it has been Marc-André ter Stegen who has surprised with some unexpected words. In a recent interview, the German goalkeeper spoke candidly about his experience with Leo. And his statements have not gone unnoticed.
The current Barça captain began by praising the Argentine.
"Messi is unique. He can decide a match in seconds and sees things that no other player sees," he said with admiration. But then came the unexpected part.
"He Could Throw a Ball at Your Face..."
With complete naturalness, Ter Stegen dropped a bomb that no one expected.
"He's probably the only player who can throw a ball at your face if he wants to," he revealed with a laugh. And he added: "He's done it several times. The reason? You'd have to ask him."
These words have sparked a mix of astonishment and debate among the fans. No one doubts Messi's quality, but these confessions open a new window to his character. The idol also had his moments of anger and tension.
A Leader with Temper
What is clear is that Leo Messi, beyond being a genius with the ball, was also a leader with a lot of character. In a locker room full of stars, his figure commanded respect. And sometimes, his way of expressing things wasn't the smoothest.
Ter Stegen didn't say it as a criticism, but as a reality of the day-to-day.
"In the end, we were all under a lot of pressure. He more than anyone," justified the German. But social media haven't taken long to react.
A More Human Messi
These words don't tarnish Messi's image, but they do humanize it. They show him as an ultra-competitive footballer, capable of having bad days like anyone else. And also as someone who didn't always get along with everyone.
In elite soccer, egos and constant pressure generate inevitable friction. The surprising thing is that, coming from someone as reserved as Ter Stegen, these statements have come out now. And more so at a time when Messi is living his last years of his career.
Many remember Messi as a silent leader. But some episodes reflect that his way of leading could also be more direct, even tense. Not everyone experienced it the same way.
For some, like Iniesta or Busquets, he was a daily example. For others, as Ter Stegen seems to imply, he could also be someone complicated at certain times. That doesn't change what he was, but it adds nuances to the story.