A former team-mate of Lionel Messi has claimed that the superstar used to greet his colleagues with a kiss ahead of training every morning. The revelation comes courtesy of Francisco Trincao, who played with Messi during the Argentine’s final season at Barcelona. Trincao relocated to Catalunya from his native Portugal in the summer of 2020.
The winger had a strong maiden campaign for the Spanish giants, but was then loaned out to Wolves and Sporting CP in the following seasons, before agreeing a permanent return to Portugal with the latter in 2023. Yet if there’s one memory that sticks with the 25-year-old from his time at the Camp Nou, it’s Messi’s peculiar welcome, admitting that it took some adjusting to.
“At first it was a bit strange, because culturally, in Argentina and Uruguay, they kiss a lot to greet each other and it was strange for Messi to greet me with a kiss every time I arrived at the academy,” Trincao told Revelo. “Then I got used to it, but in the first few weeks it was difficult.”
Trincao opened up on sharing a pitch with the 37-year-old Argentinian legend too. “On the pitch, Messi was very calm,” he said. “He set an example more than he spoke to us, he helped us on the pitch, where we should go and what to do.
“He would tell us something and we would accept it because what he said was true.” The Portuguese star also reflected on his move to Barcelona at such a young age, admitting that it maybe came slightly too soon.
“Being 20 years old and having a club like Barca saying they want you, I don’t think anyone can say no. I would never have said no to Barcelona, but maturity comes with time,” he added.
After winning a plethora of trophies at Barcelona, including 10 La Liga titles and the Champions League on four occasions, Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Following a challenging stint in the French capital, Messi then joined Inter Miami in the MLS where he has reunited with some of his closest allies from Barca. Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets all now play for the David Beckham-owned side, while Javier Mascherano is now manager.
Messi and co. are now gearing up for the new-look Club World Cup which gets underway at the weekend. Now featuring 32 teams, and held every four years, the US-based event will also include Chelsea and Manchester City.
Messi’s Miami, who are in a group with Palmeiras, FC Porto and Al Ahly, will kick-off their tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami, on Sunday, June 15 against the Egyptian side. Kick-off for UK audiences is at 1am.