Lionel Messi’s rise to becoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time is rooted in his relentless desire to score goals. This was recently highlighted by his former teammate Samuel Umtiti, who shared what it was like to play with the Argentine star at FC Barcelona.
Messi’s journey is well known among soccer fans. He began his career in the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina before moving to Barcelona’s academy. His career has been a steady climb, marked by numerous achievements, including:
- 5 La Liga titles
- 2 Champions League titles
- 2 FIFA Club World Cups
- 1 FIFA World Cup (2022)
But beyond the trophies, Messi’s defining trait has always been his insatiable hunger for goals. According to Umtiti, Messi was never satisfied unless he found the back of the net.
Umtiti on Messi’s mentality
Umtiti and Messi shared the locker room at Barcelona between 2016 and 2023, so he knows very well what it’s like to play with him. In a recent interview with SPORT, via Barca Universal, Umtiti recalled how Messi could single-handedly decide matches.
“There is only one, it’s Leo. At all levels,” Umtiti said. “He alone is capable of winning a game, and very few can do that.”
What set Messi apart, Umtiti explained, was his obsession with scoring.
“If we won 4-0 and he didn’t score, he wasn’t happy. In his mind, it was clear: he had to score all the time.”
That relentless drive, Umtiti added, “is the mark of the greats.”
Messi is more than just a striker
Messi’s brilliance wasn’t limited to finishing. His former teammate emphasized his ability to control the rhythm of play.
“He knew exactly when to accelerate and when to slow down the game,” Umtiti recalled.
“He’s always scanning left and right, checking everyone’s positioning. He always has a time advantage. There’s no way to defend against Leo. He’s unpredictable.”
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, fans will once again witness Messi’s artistry as he seeks to add another chapter to his legendary career.
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