Not all relationships between master players are founded on friendship or concord. There are times when what lies between them is distance, din, and forced coexistence underpinned by one common purpose: victory. That is precisely what Marc-André ter Stegen put across when he talked of Lionel Messi during an interview with the Phrasenmäher podcast by the German newspaper Bild. The goalkeeper, who played alongside the Argentine at Barcelona for eight years, was open and revealed that all was not well between the two.
"He's one of those guys who can facial you with the ball if he feels like it. He does have that shot. Others have their shots at other spots; he would put the bull's eye in. He's done it a couple of times." The statement is emphatic and contains a rhetorical question that is extremely revealing: "Where was the anger being directed? You're going to have to ask him (.). If he wants to embarrass you, he can."
Teammates at Barcelona from 2014 until Messi’s departure in 2021, the two shared many titles, big matches, and constant pressure. But as the German keeper made clear, the relationship was never close, nor simple. It was functional. And, at times, uncomfortable.
Silent conflicts, but real ones
The goalkeeper insists that, as polarized as they were, there was no overt confrontation. But neither does he try to paint a vision of serenity. "Messi is motivated by a great many things that don't motivate the rest of us," he said. And then had this to say: "There were moments when things did not go between us because he was mad at me, and I was mad at him."
Instead of describing one of the arguments, ter Stegen explains that there was a tension that lingered. However, professionalism won out. "We never argued, not to say we had a bad relationship, but we had our moments, and that's okay." That gives you a sense of the atmosphere in that locker room. There was respect.
Another view of Messi's leadership
Ter Stegen also talked of how he noticed Messi as a leader. A subdued tone there. No flowery praise, but a clear respect. "Whether or not it's my style, it was interesting to see him," he said. And then continued: "Leo's not a talker, he leads a lot with his presence and needs to say relatively little."
Messi is never the oratory type. He's the sort of player who leads by example in the way he trains, the way he plays, and the way he behaves. Ter Stegen can vouch for that. "And when he does say something, everyone listens. That's truly what you want as a captain: to be heard and to be followed."
The keeper acknowledges the impact Messi had on the team, despite his taciturn leadership. But he also implies that this type of style did not suit everyone. Again, that is not to imply that it did not work, but that it was not universal.
Not friends, not enemies, but not close
The relationship between Messi and ter Stegen helps dispel the notion that winning squads are composed of players who always get along. Winning on the field isn't about love, however, but about respect and devotion. And both had that. Even when annoyed, even when distant, even when irritated with each other, they played and represented the club at an elite level.
What the keeper did admit to is that there was discomfort. And although it never made the headlines during their Barcelona sojourn, it did exist. In sideways glances. In unwritten words. And, according to ter Stegen, in purpose balls.
This degree of honesty is something one doesn't see often in soccer. No player says so in this matter-of-fact manner, especially about a fellow like Messi. But the goalie offered his point of view matter-of-factly. No malice. No drama. Only his opinion.
The Messi some people see
Ter Stegen's tale adds to a less sanitized image of Messi off the field. A hard-grassing, difficult-to-please, sometimes moody player. A sportsman who, as big a standard for others, gets annoyed, gets distant, and loses patience. A captain who doesn't shout, but leaves his stamp on things. Who doesn't say much, but is always heard. Who isn't always in a good mood, and who might employ the ball as a reason when he is angry about something.
Messi, as any other sports icon, is a complex individual. And the more his ex-teammates speak, the more sides are revealed. Without spoiling his reputation. Without protecting, it too much, either. Just showing that beneath the talent, there is a human being.
Despite all that, ter Stegen also appreciated the worth of having shared the pitch with Messi. He said it was interesting to see him dominate. That it was an enriching experience. The respect still remains. As does the admiration for his talent.