Lionel Messi's former teammate Samuel Umtiti has provided fascinating insights into the mentality of the Argentine great, revealing that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had to "score all the time" at Barcelona or he simply "wasn't happy." The World Cup winner, who worked closely with the football legend at Camp Nou from 2016 to 2021, witnessed firsthand the relentless drive that separates the very best from the rest. Umtiti's recollections shed light on what makes Messi not just a magical footballer, but also a humble human being who helped his teammates feel comfortable while setting standards that others could only aspire to reach.
Messi's Insatiable Hunger for Goals
Samuel Umtiti's revelations paint a picture of a player whose appetite for goals was simply unmatched. During his five seasons at Barcelona alongside Messi, the Argentine superstar found the net on at least 30 occasions across five successive campaigns, with the remarkable 50-goal barrier being broken in a couple of those years. Such statistics alone would be enough to satisfy most players, but for Messi, anything less than scoring was simply unacceptable.
Umtiti shared his experiences with The Elevate House, providing a rare glimpse into Messi's mindset: "As a person, he is top. You realize that even if you won everything, it is useless to believe you are superior. There is only one, it's Leo. At all levels. He alone is capable of winning a game, and very few can do that. If we won 4-0 and he didn't score, he wasn't happy. In his head, it was clear: he had to score all the time. That's the sign of the big ones."
The French defender, who was part of France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad while at Barcelona, further elaborated on what makes Messi so special in front of goal. He explained: "[He] is a killer in front of the goal. He knew exactly when to accelerate and when to slow down the game. He is always looking left and right, checking everyone's positioning. He always has a time advantage. There is no recipe to defend Leo, he is unpredictable." This combination of technical brilliance and psychological warfare made Messi virtually unstoppable during his Barcelona years.
The Humble Nature of a Football Legend
Despite his extraordinary achievements and status as arguably the greatest footballer in history, Messi remained remarkably humble throughout his time at Barcelona. Umtiti emphasized how this humble character helped his teammates feel comfortable in his presence, creating a positive atmosphere within the squad that contributed to on-field success.
During Messi's era at Camp Nou, Barcelona secured numerous La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs, with the most decorated player in football history always striving for perfection. Yet despite his individual brilliance, Messi never let his ego dominate the dressing room. Instead, he set personal standards that others aspired to emulate, leading by example rather than through verbal demands.
This combination of humility and excellence created an environment where younger players could learn and grow without feeling intimidated by Messi's presence. The Argentine superstar's approachability meant that even the newest members of the Barcelona squad could seek his advice and guidance, knowing they would receive a thoughtful and supportive response.
The Barcelona Way: A Unique Philosophy
Umtiti also provided valuable insights into what makes Barcelona such a unique club, revealing the distinctive approach that has kept the Blaugrana at the top of domestic, continental, and global football for decades. The French defender explained how the club manages every aspect of a player's life, allowing them to focus solely on football.
He stated: "In Barca, the player only deals with football. Everything else is managed, and that allows you to concentrate. There was no going to the hotel the day before. You arrived at the stadium two hours early. They make you responsible, they treat you like a professional." This professional environment ensures that players maintain peak performance levels throughout their careers.
Barcelona's famous La Masia academy has produced some of the greatest footballers in history, including Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and more recently Lamine Yamal. Umtiti believes that the club's success in developing homegrown talent stems from their emphasis on remaining grounded. He contrasted the Barcelona approach with his experience in France: "In France, when you sign your first contracts, some already believe a lot. Not at Barca. People were simple, they came to training in the clothes of their sponsors. That keeps you on your feet on the ground."
This philosophy has clearly paid dividends, with Barcelona currently leading La Liga by one point, into the Copa del Rey semi-finals, and the last 16 of the Champions League, while also having already won the Spanish Super Cup this season. As Messi now watches from afar with Inter Miami in the MLS, the foundations he helped build at Camp Nou continue to guide Barcelona's pursuit of further glory.
