Kevin-Prince Boateng’s Insight: The Magic of Leonel Messi at Barcelona

Kevin-Prince Boateng, a seasoned footballer with a career spanning several top European clubs, had the rare opportunity to share the pitch with one of the greatest players of all time, Lionel Messi.

Reflecting on his time as Messi’s teammate at FC Barcelona, Boateng offered a glimpse into the extraordinary yet effortless brilliance of the Argentine superstar.

Boateng’s account paints a picture of a player who defies the conventional wisdom of what it takes to be the best in the world. “Never seen him in the gym,” Boateng recalls, highlighting Messi’s seemingly laid-back approach to preparation.

Instead of the intense pre-game rituals that many athletes adhere to, Messi’s routine was notably relaxed. He would come in, get a massage, and even play a bit of basketball before games. There was no sign of the strenuous physical preparation one might expect from a player of his caliber.

Boateng vividly remembers the lead-up to one of Messi’s most iconic performances—Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final. Messi’s free-kick in that match, which sailed into the top corner from 25 yards out, was a moment of sheer genius.

Yet, in the dressing room before the game, Messi was the epitome of calm. “He’s just sitting there with his phone, whatever, gets a massage, sitting down,” Boateng describes. Even minutes before the team headed out onto the pitch, Messi remained composed, casually lacing up his boots.

“Leonel Messi is an Effortless Genius”

As the team warmed up, Messi’s focus seemed almost minimal. He engaged in basic drills—long balls, some dribbling, a crossbar challenge. Then, just as calmly as he had arrived, he returned to the dressing room while the coach made final adjustments.

Even in these last moments before the match, Messi’s demeanor was strikingly relaxed. Boateng notes, “He’s on the phone, FaceTiming.” Yet, when it was time to step onto the pitch, Messi switched on with an ease that left his teammates in awe. “30 seconds before we go out, he just comes down, puts his jacket on, goes out, boom, go, go, go, go, like this,” Boateng recalls.

This nonchalant approach, Boateng admits, is almost dangerous for young players to hear about. “This is the only guy ever to do this,” he emphasizes, underlining the uniqueness of Messi’s genius. For most players, this level of casualness would be detrimental, but Messi’s natural talent allowed him to operate on a different plane.

Lionel Messi’s career is the stuff of legend. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at a young age. Over the years, he developed into a player of unmatched skill, vision, and consistency.

His left foot became as feared as any weapon in sport, and his ability to decide games with a single moment of brilliance earned him a reputation as the best in the world. Messi has won multiple Ballon d’Or awards, a testament to his status as the preeminent player of his generation.

Kevin-Prince Boateng’s journey in football has been vastly different. Born in Berlin, Germany, Boateng’s career has seen him play for a number of clubs across Europe, including Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, and Schalke 04.

Known for his versatility, strength, and technical ability, Boateng has enjoyed a solid career, often filling crucial roles for his teams. His move to Barcelona in January 2019 was a surprising one, and although his time at the club was brief, it allowed him to witness firsthand the brilliance of Messi.