"Asked if it's difficult to score in Italy because Ronaldo was there" - When ex-Barcelona man recalled only conversation with Messi
Former Barcelona midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng once revealed that he had just one conversation with Lionel Messi during their time together at the club. The former Ghana international spent a considerable amount of time at various clubs in Serie A before earning a shock loan move to Camp Nou in January 2019.
The Catalans wanted a backup for Luiz Suarez and were looking for someone who could hit the ground running. The then-manager Ernesto Valverde zeroed in on Boateng, with his move from Sassuolo raising quite some eyebrows.
The Ghanaian failed to live up to expectations, registering just four appearances for the La Liga giants. The move was not made permanent at the end of the season. Boateng did have the rare experience of sharing the locker room with one of the greatest players in the world, Lionel Messi.
Speaking on the Vibe with Five podcast last year, the Ghanaian revealed that the Argentinean enquired about Serie A, perhaps because of the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo in Italy.
"Messi is the captain but doesn't speak. We spoke one time in the shower because he asked if it's difficult to score in Italy because Ronaldo was there at that time, and he showed the rivalry between them," said Boateng.
He continued:
"I told him that it was more difficult that Ronaldo was there, and he scored every game for three years. People forget too easily what he's done there.”
The Portuguese had joined Juventus in the summer of 2018 after nine fruitful years with Real Madrid. Ronaldo's rivalry with Lionel Messi has dominated football for years and continues to divide fans around the world.
Boateng added that he was forced to say that the Argentinean was the best player in the world during his time at Barcelona, even though he loved the Portuguese.
"I remember that when I arrived in Barcelona they immediately asked me who the best player in the world was. I had to say it was Lionel Messi, I lied. It was one of the biggest lies of my life," said Boateng (via Sport Bible).
He continued:
"Normally I always tell the truth, but I lied because it was the only way to wear the Barcelona shirt. I always supported Real Madrid when I was a teenager. I love Cristiano Ronaldo. But they told me I had to say that, otherwise I wouldn't play."
Many would argue that the Argentinean ended the goat debate by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. He has also won two Copa America titles and the Finalissima trophy with La Albiceleste.
Lionel Messi is Barcelona's most decorated player
Lionel Messi rose through the ranks at Barcelona and went on to register 672 goals and 303 assists from 778 games across competitions. He is the club's all-time top scorer and the player with the most assists in their history. Unfortunately, the Catalans couldn't renew his contract in 2021 owing to their poor financial situation.
However, the 37-year-old left Camp Nou as the club's most decorated player, having won 35 trophies during his time. He won 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Rey titles, among others.
The Argentinean went on to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 and won two Ligue 1 titles with the French giants. He left the club last year as a free agent to move to Inter Miami and currently plays in the MLS. He's already won the Leagues Cup with the Herons.