Messi Reveals the Secret Behind Barcelona's Golden Era
Ahead of receiving the Princess of Asturias Award, the Argentine star reflected on Barcelona's legendary generation and revealed what was behind its remarkable success.
Lionel Messi revealed one of the defining aspects of his successful years at FC Barcelona, where he shared the dressing room with Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Carles Puyol and several other great players.
Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE at the Hotel de la Reconquista in Oviedo, ahead of receiving the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, Messi explained that the team's success was not just about winning trophies, but also about how much the players enjoyed the game.
"We were fortunate enough to win everything, and to do it the way we did. We enjoyed playing, winning and achieving important things, but above all, we enjoyed the day-to-day experience and training sessions. We had a great time," Messi recalled.
The Argentine described sharing the dressing room with those players as a privilege and remembered a period when winning and enjoying the game went hand in hand.
“The club of my life”: Messi's lasting bond with Barcelona
Now playing for Inter Miami after a spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi admitted that it was “difficult to sum up in just a few words” what Barcelona means to him.
The Argentine described the Catalan club as an inseparable part of his life, calling it “the club of my life.”
His connection also extends beyond soccer. Barcelona is where his three children were born and where he experienced many important personal moments.
That is why he continues to feel “a very, very special affection for the city and the club.”
Qatar 2022: The World Cup triumph that completed Messi's career
After winning everything at club level with Barcelona, Messi described Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the culmination of his career.
Winning the tournament was, in his words, “more than a dream.”
He also singled out his goals in the final as some of the most important of his career because of their meaning, the occasion and the significance of the match.
Messi placed them alongside some of his memorable Barcelona goals in Champions League finals and El Clásico matches.
What Barcelona's golden generation meant to Messi
- Enjoyment was part of the secret: Messi recalled a team that loved not only winning trophies but also playing, training and spending time together.
- A lifelong connection: He considers Barcelona the club of his life and remains deeply attached to the city where his children were born.
- The ultimate dream fulfilled: After winning everything with Barcelona, lifting the 2022 World Cup with Argentina completed his career.
