Did Tensions Lurk Beneath the Glory? Inside Messi and Ter Stegen’s Complex Relationship
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has recently revealed intriguing insights into his relationship with footballing legend Lionel Messi, from the highs of their trophy-laden years together to the occasional tensions that arose behind the scenes. As the football world remembers their time at Camp Nou—which included 13 major titles—Ter Stegen’s candid remarks have ignited curiosity about the dynamics between two of football's greats.
In an interview with Bild, Ter Stegen recounted, "The good moments or the bad moments? We had them all,” highlighting that their journey was one filled with both achievement and personal friction. Despite each player’s incredible skill and the success they shared, Ter Stegen acknowledges that Messi’s competitive nature sometimes led to disagreements. “We’ve had moments where things didn’t work out between us because he was annoyed with me and I was annoyed with him,” he added, bringing to light the notion that even the best of teammates can experience friction.
Their time together blossomed during Ter Stegen's first season, which saw Barcelona clinch the coveted treble under Luis Enrique. During that memorable campaign, Messi netted an astounding 58 goals across all competitions. However, Ter Stegen's recollection of their partnership reveals a more nuanced picture of teamwork, stating, "I think Leo is probably the only player who, if he wants to shoot you in the face, he can.” This metaphor illustrates Messi’s precision and intensity, characteristics that Ter Stegen has witnessed firsthand.
While Ter Stegen admits there were moments of direct conflict—"Several times"—he quickly clarifies that these disputes never bore rancour and were simply part of being elite athletes within a hyper-competitive environment. “We never argued, as if to say we didn’t get along at all. But we had our moments, and that’s fine,” he explained, emphasising the inevitable tension in high stakes situations.
Despite any fleeting disagreements, his admiration for Messi’s unparalleled talent remains unshakeable. The German international praised Messi’s unique presence and leadership style, saying, “Leo is not a loudmouth; he works a lot with presence and needs to say relatively little.” This resonates with Ter Stegen's own approach to leadership as Barcelona's current captain, fostering respect rather than merely seeking domination.
Messi’s departure from Barcelona in 2021 due to financial constraints was a pivotal moment in both players' careers. Since that departure, the Argentine has continued his illustrious journey with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami in July 2023. His transition has been anything but uneventful, achieving remarkable success in the US by leading his team to the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield, and scoring an impressive 44 goals in just 54 appearances.
Reflecting on their time together and the lessons from their relationship, Ter Stegen expressed gratitude for having Messi alongside him in matches rather than facing him as an opponent, stating, “And that’s also why I’m glad I’ve always had him with me in the games and not on the other side.”
As fans and analysts pore over the details of this enigmatic relationship, Ter Stegen's revelations provide a thrilling glimpse behind the curtain of footballing greatness. The dynamic between Messi and Ter Stegen is a testament to the complexities of sportsmanship and camaraderie in the world of elite football. How do you view the intricacies of their relationship? We welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
