Barcelona midfielder Pedri opened up about the profound effect Lionel Messi’s unexpected exit from Camp Nou in 2021 had on him. Messi, who rose through Barcelona’s youth system to become the club’s greatest player, left the Catalan side as a free agent after the club was unable to renew his contract due to financial constraints. This moment marked a significant turning point for both the club and its players, including Pedri, who witnessed the era firsthand.
Joining Barcelona in the summer of 2019 from Las Palmas, Pedri shared the pitch with Messi over two seasons, appearing together in 47 matches. During this period, the pair contributed to 29 victories and combined for three goals, demonstrating the synergy between the emerging talent and the legendary forward.
In an interview with France Football, cited by Mundo Deportivo, Pedri described how he always sought Messi’s involvement on the field.
“I always passed the ball to Messi. Clearly, he was better than me. He was incredible in training; we were lucky to see him,” said Pedri.
The Spanish midfielder also recounted how difficult it was to accept Messi’s departure when the news broke.
“It was a shock when Leo Messi left. I was playing in the Olympics, and I found it hard to believe,” said Pedri.
Summary of Lionel Messi’s Trophy Haul with Barcelona
Over his illustrious career, Lionel Messi has become the most decorated footballer, securing a total of 46 trophies, with 35 of these earned during his time at Barcelona. His trophy-winning journey began with the 2004-05 LaLiga title and stretched across 17 seasons in Spain’s top flight.
Messi led Barcelona to ten LaLiga championships, dominating the competition for more than a decade. His success extended to Europe, with four UEFA Champions League titles won in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015. In domestic cup competitions, he lifted the Copa del Rey seven times and collected the Supercopa de España eight times.
In addition to these, Messi also helped Barcelona secure three FIFA Club World Cup trophies and three UEFA Super Cups, underscoring his significant role in the club’s dominance during his tenure.
From Camp Nou to New Horizons: Messi’s Career After Barcelona
Following his departure from Barcelona, Messi continued his career with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), where he achieved two league titles over two seasons. In the summer of 2023, Messi left PSG as a free agent and joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, embarking on the next chapter of his career in the United States.
Pedri’s connection with Messi during a defining period for Barcelona and his reflections on the legendary forward’s exit highlight the lasting influence the Argentine maestro has had on his teammates and the club’s history. The profound emotions stirred by Messi’s departure emphasize how significant the event was not only for fans but also for emerging players like Pedri adapting to a new era at Barcelona.