Messi Influenced Barcelona Transfers Says Former Teammate Who Dreamt of Playing Alongside Him

Lionel Messi’s tenure at FC Barcelona had a profound impact on the club’s operations, particularly during the years he played from 2004 to 2021. Former teammate Kevin-Prince Boateng recently recounted intriguing details about Messi’s influence on transfers and team decisions during his time at the club.

Messi’s Influence on Barcelona Transfers

In an interview with Unscripted with Josh Mansour, Boateng reflected on his move to Barcelona, which occurred in 2018. He described a peculiar incident that highlighted Messi’s pivotal role within the club.

A Unique Transfer Experience

Before Boateng joined Barcelona, he learned about the unusual procedure that required Messi’s input. He mentioned, “Before I went to Barcelona, they had two sporting directors. One of them was Eric Abidal, who expressed interest in signing me, along with the president and the coach.”

• Initial Interest: Boateng received affirmations from multiple executives at the club.
• Messi’s Approval: The final decision depended on Messi’s opinion.

Boateng recalled his surprise when he was told, “We need to speak to Leo first.” This process made him anxious as his signing was largely contingent on Messi’s approval.

Boateng’s Brief Stint at Barcelona

Ultimately, Messi’s endorsement allowed Boateng to join the team, but his time at Barcelona was limited to just four matches. He soon moved to Fiorentina, indicating that while his career there was brief, it was enlightening.

Insights into Messi’s Character

Boateng shared his perspective on Messi’s demeanor. He remarked, “Messi is a cool guy, very quiet. He only speaks with his feet on the field.” This observation showcases Messi’s focus on performance rather than conversation.

Boateng found their interactions pleasant, noting, “He hugged me and said, ‘Welcome, so good to see you.’” This warm reception highlighted the camaraderie shared, despite Messi’s selective communication style.

Future Speculations on Messi’s Return

The discussion around Messi has reignited, particularly after rumors of a potential return to FC Barcelona surfaced. Boateng was optimistic about this possibility, stating, “He could come back because the way he plays allows him to still perform effectively, potentially for five more years.”

He compared Messi’s situation to that of other stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing the support Messi has from the team around him.

Contractual Challenges

Despite Boateng’s hopeful outlook, he acknowledged contractual hurdles. Messi currently has a deal with Inter Miami that runs until December 2028. This situation complicates any potential return to Barcelona.

Ultimately, Kevin-Prince Boateng’s experiences and insights provide a unique perspective on lionel Messi’s enduring impact at FC Barcelona and the speculation about his future with the club.