Lionel Messi 'had to score all the time' at Barcelona, reveals ex-team-mate

Samuel Umtiti, who moved to Camp Nou in 2016 and remained in Catalunya through to the end of Messi’s spell on Barca’s books in 2021, says Lionel Messi had to “score all the time” or he “wasn’t happy”. Umtiti worked with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and witnessed up close the relentless drive that carries the very best to the top of the global game.

“As a person, he is top. You realise that even if you have won everything, it is useless to believe you are superior,” Umtiti told The Elevate House. “If we won 4-0 and he didn’t score, he wasn’t happy. In his head, it was clear: he had to score all the time. That’s the sign of the big ones.” Umtiti also highlighted what makes Messi special: “[He] is a killer in front of the goal.

He knew exactly when to accelerate and when to slow down the game. He is always looking left and right, checking everyone’s positioning. He always has a time advantage.

lionel messi, samuel umtiti, barcelona, camp nou, ballon d'or, goal scoring, finisher, positioning, acceleration, catalunya