Kevin Prince Boateng’s Controversial Take: Lionel Messi’s Training Habits at Barcelona
Former Barcelona midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng sparked debate when he stated that Lionel Messi wasn’t the best role model for young footballers. Despite Messi’s legendary status at Barca, Boateng suggested his training approach set a questionable example for up-and-coming players.
Boateng recounted an anecdote illustrating Messi’s seemingly nonchalant attitude towards training:
- Messi would often be on his phone in the dressing room, receiving massages while seated.
- He would engage in lighthearted activities like crossbar challenges during warm-ups for high-stakes Champions League games.
- Moments before games, Messi appeared relaxed, even facetiming, before stepping onto the pitch and delivering match-winning performances.
According to Boateng, this relaxed approach, while acceptable for a generational talent like Messi, had a negative effect on younger Barcelona players such as Malcolm and Ousmane Dembele.
- Young players, witnessing Messi’s training style, seemingly mirrored it, reducing their own training intensity.
- This lack of rigorous training, Boateng implied, contributed to these younger players experiencing frequent injuries.
- Boateng emphasized that Messi is unique, and his training style isn’t universally applicable or advisable, especially for developing players.
Boateng’s comments come from his experience playing alongside Messi during a brief stint at Barcelona in the 2018-19 season. It’s important to note that despite Boateng’s observations, Messi’s career at Barcelona is unparalleled in terms of individual brilliance and team success.
Lionel Messi: A Barcelona Legend Defined by Records and Trophies
Lionel Messi’s tenure at Barcelona, spanning almost two decades in the first team (2004-2021), is celebrated as one of the most remarkable in football history. His contributions are staggering:
Statistical Dominance:
- Games Played: 778
- Goals Scored: 672 (Club Record)
- Assists Provided: 303 (Club Record)
Trophy Cabinet Overflowing:
La Liga Titles: 10
UEFA Champions League Titles: 4
Continental Trebles: 2 (2008-09, 2014-15)
Copa del Rey Titles: 7
Spanish Super Cup Titles: 8
FIFA Club World Cup Titles: 3
Ballon d’Or Awards: 8 (6 won while at Barcelona – Record for a single club)
These achievements underscore Messi’s immense impact and talent, solidifying his status as not only a Barcelona icon but also one of the greatest footballers of all time.
While Boateng’s perspective offers an interesting glimpse into Messi’s training habits and potential influence, it’s crucial to consider the context of Messi’s extraordinary career achievements at Barcelona. His methods, however unconventional they may seem, undeniably yielded unprecedented success.
Share your thoughts on Boateng’s comments and Messi’s legacy in the comments section below!