The world of football is abuzz with the latest revelation from Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper who has been struggling with injuries this season. In a recent podcast appearance, Ter Stegen shared some intimate details about his time at FC Barcelona, particularly his relationship with the legendary Lionel Messi.
Ter Stegen, who has been with Barcelona since 2014, had the privilege of sharing the dressing room with some of the biggest stars in the sport, but none as iconic as Messi. When asked about his experience playing with the Argentine maestro, Ter Stegen had nothing but praise for his skills on the pitch. „He impresses me on the pitch. He plays with such ease, which we will never experience again. I’m sure of it,” he said.
However, Ter Stegen’s admiration for Messi didn’t stop there. He also spoke about the Argentine’s leadership qualities, revealing that Messi was more than just a talented player. „He’s probably the only player who, if he wants to, can kick the ball straight into your face. Most people would miss. But not him. He’s done it several times when he was angry… It wasn’t mean-spirited. It was just part of his personality,” Ter Stegen shared.
But what’s caught everyone’s attention is Ter Stegen’s candid admission that not everything was rosy between him and Messi. „We had moments where not everything was okay between us. He got angry at me, and I got angry at him. But it wasn’t anger that lasted long,” he revealed.
This is a side of Messi that few people know, and Ter Stegen’s words are likely to spark a heated debate among football fans. While Messi’s on-field antics are well-documented, his relationships with his teammates have largely been kept under wraps.
Ter Stegen’s revelation has also raised questions about the dynamics within the Barcelona dressing room. Was Messi’s behavior towards his teammates a one-off incident, or was it a regular occurrence? These are questions that only those closest to the team can answer.
Despite the controversy, Ter Stegen’s priority remains his rehabilitation and training. The German goalkeeper has been spotted at the Barcelona training facility, working individually or with other goalkeepers. His return to the pitch seems imminent, and fans can’t wait to see him back in action.
In the meantime, the football world will continue to buzz with speculation about Ter Stegen’s words and what they might mean for Messi’s reputation. One thing is certain, though – this is a story that will have far-reaching implications for the sport.
