In a candid interview on the Phrasenmäher podcast from the German newspaper Bild, Marc-André ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper currently recovering from a knee injury, opened up about his complex relationship with Lionel Messi during their time together at FC Barcelona from 2014 to 2021. The insights shared by ter Stegen shed light on the dynamics of their partnership, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs they experienced as teammates.
Ter Stegen, who joined Barcelona in 2014, recalled the intensity of playing alongside one of football's greatest talents. He remarked, "He is probably the only player who can kick a ball at someone's face if he wants to, and has done it multiple times." This statement underscores Messi's exceptional skill and precision on the field, but it also hints at the pressure that comes with being in close quarters with such a formidable competitor.
Despite acknowledging these moments of tension, ter Stegen emphasized the importance of Messi's leadership. He stated, "Messi is not a talker; he leads with his presence. When he speaks, everyone listens." This reflects the respect Messi commanded within the locker room, where his quiet authority often spoke louder than words. Ter Stegen noted that while they had their disagreements, there were never any direct confrontations between them. "We had moments when things didn’t work between us because he was upset with me and I was upset with him. We never argued, but we had our moments, and that’s okay," he explained.
The relationship between ter Stegen and Messi was characterized by a mix of admiration and frustration, a duality that many teammates experience when playing with elite athletes. Ter Stegen praised Messi's unique ability to motivate his teammates, stating, "Messi plays with a lightness that will never be seen again. He has the ability to make us feel bad with an impossible pass or shot, and that’s why I was always happy to have him by my side." This acknowledgment of Messi’s talent highlights the dual nature of their relationship, where admiration for Messi's capabilities coexisted with the challenges they faced in their interactions.
During their time together, ter Stegen and Messi achieved remarkable success, winning 14 titles, including four La Liga championships, five Copa del Rey titles, one UEFA Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup. These accolades underscore the effectiveness of their partnership on the field, despite the complexities off it.
As ter Stegen continues his recovery, he reflects on the lessons learned from playing alongside Messi. He noted that witnessing Messi’s leadership style provided valuable insights for his own career. "It was interesting to see how he led the team and how he approached the game. His ability to inspire others, even in silence, is something that I will carry with me," ter Stegen remarked.
Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 marked the end of an era for the club and its fans. However, his influence remains palpable, especially among those who played alongside him. Ter Stegen’s reflections serve as a reminder of the impact Messi had not just in terms of trophies won, but also in shaping the culture and mentality of the team.
Despite the challenges they faced, ter Stegen's respect for Messi is evident. He concluded by stating, "The bad moments we spent in the locker room are behind us. It was an enriching experience to play with him, and I learned a lot from that time together." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of teamwork at the highest level, where individual personalities can clash yet still contribute to a greater goal.
As both players move forward in their respective careers—ter Stegen at Barcelona and Messi now at Inter Miami—the legacy of their time together continues to resonate. The lessons learned and the memories created during their years at Barcelona will undoubtedly influence their future endeavors in the world of football.
