Lionel Messi’s unyielding ambition to score goals during his time at Barcelona is highlighted by his former teammate, Samuel Umtiti. Umtiti, who played alongside Messi from 2016 until 2021, noted that the iconic player was never content unless he found the back of the net, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of excellence that has propelled him to his legendary status.
### Messi’s Humble Leadership and Team Support
During Umtiti’s tenure at Camp Nou, Messi consistently achieved remarkable scoring feats, hitting the target over 30 times in five seasons, occasionally surpassing 50 goals in certain campaigns. His drive and determination were key contributors to Barcelona’s success in winning both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Moreover, Messi’s humble demeanor created a reassuring environment for his teammates, inspiring them to aim for similar heights.
### The Magic of Messi
Reflecting on Messi’s character, Umtiti remarked, “As a person, he is unparalleled; despite his achievements, he remains grounded.” Umtiti pointed out that Messi’s sole focus was always scoring, stating that even in victories where he didn’t net goals, his dissatisfaction was evident—a hallmark of true greatness. He further described Messi’s keen game awareness and ability to adapt and control pace as unparalleled, making him a unique challenge for defenders.
### Training with Legends
While at Barcelona, Umtiti also had the opportunity to play alongside world-class forwards like Luis Suarez and Neymar, as well as esteemed defenders. He praised Gerard Pique, acknowledging him as one of the finest defenders he had encountered, highlighting Pique’s intelligence in reading the game and his eagerness to contribute offensively even in commanding wins.
Barcelona’s enduring success stems from their unwavering commitment to sporting excellence, which Umtiti claimed allowed players to concentrate solely on football without distractions. He noted that such a professional atmosphere fostered accountability and encouraged a strong work ethic.
### Unique Aspects of Barcelona’s Culture
The club is renowned for producing exceptional talent through its esteemed La Masia academy, which has birthed names like Messi and Andrés Iniesta. Umtiti emphasized the importance of humility in maintaining success at Barcelona, contrasting it with attitudes seen elsewhere, particularly in France, where players may become overly prideful too quickly.
As Barcelona finds success this season, having captured the Spanish Super Cup and advanced in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League, Messi observes from a distance, now a key player for MLS champions Inter Miami.
### Fan Take
This insight into Messi’s relentless pursuit of success and the culture at Barcelona reaffirms why the club remains a beacon of excellence in football. For fans, it’s a reminder of the standards set by legends and how humility and dedication continue to shape the beautiful game.
