Lionel Messi did not play in Barcelona's historic UEFA Champions League victory against Arsenal in 2006 because of a hamstring injury. Now, the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner has admitted that he 'deeply regrets' missing out on Barcelona's celebrations in 2006 after their Champions League triumph.
Speaking to AS, Lionel Messi said:
“I'm sorry I didn't [go out]. I didn't realise what was happening. At least I would have liked to be on the bench that night. Until my injury, [against Chelsea in the round of 16], I participated in every Champions League game in my career.
“I was disappointed. I deeply regret that episode. We won that Champions League and I was not sure what would happen again because it is a difficult competition to win."
Barcelona claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final thanks to a late winner from Juliano Belletti. Although Messi missed out on the festivities in 2006, he won 3 more Champions League titles with Barcelona to cement his legacy as an all-time great.
Lionel Messi-less Barcelona crash out of the UEFA Champions League after 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich
Barcelona seem to be feeling the absence of Lionel Messi as they crashed out of the UEFA Champions League after a tame 3-0 loss against Bayern Munich. Xavi's men never looked like they had a winning chance and will now be playing in the Europa League this season.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller felt that Barcelona were struggling to match the intensity and pace of top level football:
"I think Barça can’t cope with the intensity. Technically, they have it all, they are great players tactically and technically. But they can’t cope with the intensity in top football.”
Lionel Messi's PSG, on the other hand, are safely through to the round of 16. However, after finishing second in their group behind Manchester City, the Ligue 1 giants could face a tricky encounter in the knockout stages.
While Messi has not been at his best in Ligue 1 this season, the legendary Argentine has been in fine form in the UEFA Champions League group stages. In 5 appearances, the 34-year old has scored 5 times and will be hoping to inspire PSG to an elusive European trophy this season.
Theo2
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Kevin201
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Now 🙃
SirGP
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Messi u have cemented ur name really as one of the best players of all Time, They always hold international trophy against u, to play down ur achievement. You have one now, They say Copa America is not Competitive enough. People will only hate when u are the best. Comparing u to Ronaldo is a Jobless act, bcos u and Ronaldo only have Respect for each other, Has the worlds Greatest.
Benxe
61
Most heartbreaking moment for Barcelona these years
VanDiesel_Nicholas
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VanDiesel_Nicholas
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VanDiesel_Nicholas
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kg-4991
12
Arsenal fans might remember that night very well. How Barcelona and their management bought the Referee to gain them the victory. . Funny thing- That referee was caught red handed after the game and he himself surrendered stating he intentionally wrecked the match in favour of Barcelona. And he was Banned for life from Football by FIFA. . Yet UEFA neither take the UCL from Barcelona nor took any kind of actions against them. They did the same in 2009 against Chelsea in Semifinals. And Against Bayern in 2015 semifinals.
AnwarJemil
9
check out this one....