Malcom reveals why he turned down Lionel Messi’s advice before leaving Barcelona

Brazilian winger Malcom has recalled how Lionel Messi personally tried to persuade him to remain at Barcelona, describing him as one of the club’s future stars before his move to Russia.

Malcom, now with Al Jazira, spent only one season at Camp Nou after joining from Girondan Bordeaux. He spoke about that period in an interview carried by Spanish radio station Cadena SER, ending years of silence over the circumstances surrounding his departure.

The 29-year-old arrived in Catalonia after an outstanding campaign in France, in which he scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances. His transfer appeared to signal the start of a promising career at the highest level, but limited opportunities prevented him from making the expected breakthrough.

“I always tell my friends that I played alongside Messi for a whole year,” Malcom said. “It was a wonderful experience. He always treated me extremely well.”

Malcom then described a conversation with Messi shortly before his move to Zenit Saint Petersburg during the 2019/2020 season.

“When I was about to leave for Russia, Messi came to speak to me and said: ‘You are a player with a very bright future, and you will become a great footballer. He asked me to stay. He said: ‘Stay here, you are one of Barcelona’s future players’.”

The Brazilian said Messi’s words showed the confidence the Argentina international had in his ability and potential. However, Malcom ultimately decided that regular football was more important than remaining at Barcelona among some of the world’s leading players without a guaranteed starting role.

“I was young and wanted to play matches, gain experience and show what I could do,” he said. “I wanted to demonstrate my ability on the pitch.”

Despite the encouragement from Messi, Malcom accepted Zenit’s offer because he believed a move away from Camp Nou would give him a more prominent role. With the benefit of hindsight, he now admits he is unsure whether leaving was the right decision.

“Perhaps it was not the right decision, but I was looking forward to playing regularly, which is why I chose to move to Russia,” he said.

Malcom’s time at Barcelona lasted just one season, but he regards his relationship with Messi as one of the most memorable parts of his career. He also credits the former Argentina captain with helping his development as a footballer.

“I learned a lot from Messi,” Malcom added. “He always spoke to me, encouraged me and helped me. It was an exceptional season that I will never forget.”