On October 16, 2014, Lionel Messi marked a decade since his official debut for FC Barcelona, a milestone that celebrated one of the most storied careers in modern football. But while the club and fans honored this day, Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, added a touch of uncertainty to the occasion in a candid interview that touched on:
🔹 1. Messi’s Future at Barcelona
“Messi loves Barça, but life is full of twists and turns, and no one knows… He also loves Rosario, the Newell’s club, and the city.”
Jorge Messi didn’t close the door on a future departure from Barcelona. His words sparked speculation — not because Leo was unhappy, but because nothing in football is permanent. He reaffirmed his son’s deep affection for his hometown club, Newell’s Old Boys, hinting at a possible late-career return.
🔹 2. Tax Fraud Case
“Messi has nothing to do with this subject. It concerns me, not Lionel.”
Jorge, who managed his son’s finances, emphasized that Lionel was not directly involved in the legal matters surrounding alleged tax evasion. He tried to shield his son from blame during a turbulent time with Spanish tax authorities.
🔹 3. Rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo
“It helps Lionel progress… At times, yes, you could say it made them both grow.”
He acknowledged the intensity of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, noting that while it may not always push Messi forward, there were definitely moments when competition spurred both stars to new heights.
🔹 4. Injuries and Recent Struggles
“For the past two years, he’s had to deal with injuries. This has had an impact on him.”
Jorge pointed to injuries between 2012 and 2014 as having slowed Messi down, physically and psychologically. This period included multiple hamstring and muscle problems that affected consistency.
🔹 5. Chemistry with Luis Suárez
“His arrival will make the team stronger.”
He expressed optimism about Messi’s budding partnership with Luis Suárez, who had just joined the club that summer. This prediction would prove prophetic — Messi, Suárez, and Neymar (the MSN trio) would soon terrorize Europe.
🧠 Takeaway:
Jorge Messi’s interview showed the human side of Lionel Messi — a young man affected by injuries, legal troubles, and the weight of a footballing legacy. His father’s comments on a possible exit hinted at the fragility of football loyalty, even for legends. Still, the love for Barcelona remained clear, even as the next chapter loomed faintly in the distance.
