Former Barcelona star Kevin-Prince Boateng recently shared insights into his time at the Catalan club, shedding light on the significant influence Lionel Messi had on his transfer to Barcelona. Boateng, known for his diverse professional career, made the move to Barca from Sassuolo in January 2019 on a loan deal with an option to buy for €8 million. However, despite his short stint at the club, Boateng’s experience was shaped by Messi’s pivotal role in the decision-making process.
In a recent podcast interview on UNSCRIPTED by Josh Mansour, Boateng revealed that his transfer to Barcelona was contingent on Messi’s approval. The former Ghana international disclosed that the club’s sporting directors, president, and coach all expressed interest in signing him, but ultimately consulted Messi before finalizing the deal.
Boateng recounted the moment when he discovered that Messi’s opinion could make or break his transfer to Barcelona. He shared, “They replied, ‘No, we have to talk to Leo [Messi] first.’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah, we speak to Leo because he had that power.’ I went to sleep hoping that Leo likes me or sees me as important for the team. I was like, ‘Tomorrow I can sign my shirt with Barcelona, but if Leo had said no, the transfer wouldn’t have happened.”
Despite only playing alongside Messi once during his time at Barcelona, Boateng spoke highly of the Argentine superstar. He commended Messi’s reserved nature and professionalism, highlighting the warm reception he received from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Boateng expressed admiration for Messi’s quiet demeanor and his ability to let his performances on the field speak for themselves.
Reflecting on his personal interaction with Messi, Boateng shared, “Messi is a cool guy, very quiet. He only speaks with his feet on the field, which is what I admire because a lot of people talk a lot, but they don’t perform. He’s very quiet. He chooses who to talk to. He’s very selective, and he and I were cool. He hugged me and said, ‘Welcome! So good to see you!’ I was surprised, like, ‘Wow!”
While Boateng has since retired from professional football, Messi continues to showcase his talent with Inter Miami in the MLS. The dynamic between Boateng and Messi at Barcelona serves as a testament to the Argentine’s influence both on and off the pitch.
In conclusion, Boateng’s experience at Barcelona underscores Messi’s stature as a key figure within the club, with his approval playing a pivotal role in player acquisitions. Messi’s professionalism and quiet demeanor left a lasting impression on Boateng, highlighting the Argentine’s impact beyond his exceptional footballing abilities.
