Barcelona Captain’s Strained Bond with Messi

Barcelona Captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen Opens Up About Relationship with Lionel Messi

Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen recently confirmed rumors that his relationship with legendary forward Lionel Messi was not always smooth sailing. Despite spending eight years together at the club, ter Stegen revealed that their relationship had its ups and downs.

Messi’s Unique Ability to Motivate

Speaking on Phrasenmaeher, ter Stegen shared that Messi had a unique way of motivating his teammates, even if it meant being tough on them during training sessions. Ter Stegen mentioned that Messi had the ability to put a ball at someone’s face if he wanted to, showcasing his precision and power in his shots.

Clashes and Tensions

Reports indicated that ter Stegen and Messi clashed at times, particularly leading up to Messi’s departure in 2022. Ter Stegen hinted that there were disagreements regarding the team’s work ethic and effort on the pitch, suggesting that Messi drew motivation from different sources than his teammates.

Ter Stegen recalled a moment when he almost left the club due to differences with then-manager Luis Enrique. Despite tensions, ter Stegen acknowledged Messi’s presence and leadership qualities, noting that Messi’s style of leading was intriguing and effective.

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Respect and Understanding

Despite their differences, ter Stegen emphasized that he and Messi never had major arguments and that their moments of tension were part of their long-standing relationship. He acknowledged Messi’s quiet yet impactful leadership style, highlighting the importance of being listened to and followed as a captain.

Throughout Messi’s tenure at Barcelona, his influence on and off the pitch was undeniable. While rumors circulated about his involvement in club decisions, Messi maintained that he did not have a dominant role in the club’s decision-making process.