Boateng Reflects on Messi Magic and Bayern’s Mountain to Climb
Jerome Boateng has spoken candidly following Bayern Munich’s 3–0 defeat to Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final—a match that saw Lionel Messi leave the German defender on the ground with a dazzling piece of footwork before scoring one of the goals of the tournament.
The moment, which occurred in the 80th minute, quickly went viral as Messi’s sublime dribble sent Boateng tumbling, before the Argentine coolly chipped goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to double Barcelona’s lead. While fans on social media were quick to mock the Bayern centre-back, Boateng faced the situation with composure and accountability.
“Of course we’re disappointed,” Boateng told Canal+. “For 75 minutes we played a good game, but then we made stupid mistakes that cost us three goals. There’s every reason to be frustrated.”
Reflecting on that moment, the German World Cup winner defended his positioning and the team’s approach, suggesting the scenario left him exposed against arguably the most dangerous player in the world.
“Everyone went forward and left space behind,” Boateng explained. “When you face a player like Messi—who is, for me, the best in the world—you can’t afford to leave a defender alone one-on-one. It’s a risk that can end badly.”
Despite the uphill task Bayern now face in the return leg at the Allianz Arena, Boateng hasn’t given up hope entirely.
“Barcelona is not Porto, of course,” he said, referring to Bayern’s stunning 6–1 comeback against the Portuguese side in the quarter-finals. “But we scored early in that tie. This time, we’ll need a miracle. Still, we believe.”
With Barcelona holding a commanding three-goal advantage, Bayern will need a near-perfect performance in Munich to reach the final. But Boateng’s defiance echoes the mentality that has defined the German club on European nights.
