Soccer

Lionel Messi 'regrets' his 2006 Champions League strop after Barcelona beat Arsenal


Lionel Messi admits he ‘deeply regrets’ his 2006 Champions League final strop which saw him REFUSE to attend Barcelona’s celebratory night out because injury ruled him out of their victory over Arsenal

  • Lionel Messi has admitted he regrets his 2006 Champions League final strop
  • The Argentine refused to join Barcelona’s celebrations because he was injured
  • He says he does not like to ‘complain’ but admits ’34 years’ of fame is draining  











Lionel Messi admits ‘deeply regrets’ his decision to snub Barcelona’s celebratory night out following their Champions League triumph over Arsenal in 2006.

The Argentine striker missed the European showpiece against the Gunners due to a hamstring injury and was so upset he opted out the celebration after their 2-1 victory in Paris.

Messi was just 18-year-old old at the time and was still trying to make a name for himself in Frank Rijkaard’s side. 

Messi has reflected on his decision to forego Barcelona's celebratory night out following their Champions League triumph over Arsenal in 2006 (above)

Messi has reflected on his decision to forego Barcelona’s celebratory night out following their Champions League triumph over Arsenal in 2006 (above) 

The Argentine striker missed the 2006 Champions League final due to a hamstring injury that he sustained during the first knockout round second leg with Chelsea (above)

The Argentine striker missed the 2006 Champions League final due to a hamstring injury that he sustained during the first knockout round second leg with Chelsea (above) 

Messi – who had scored just nine goals for Barcelona at the time of the incident – reflected on his decision, saying he was disappointed to miss out on the first big final of his career.

Speaking to AS, he said: ‘I’m sorry I didn’t [go out]. I didn’t realise what was happening. At that moment I was thinking about not having played. 

‘At least I would have liked to be on the bench that night. Until my injury (tear against Chelsea in the round of 16), I participated in every Champions League in my career. 

Looking back on the decision, he says he 'deeply regrets' his choice to miss the celebration

Looking back on the decision, he says he ‘deeply regrets’ his choice to miss the celebration

Messi also says would like to enjoy time with his family without being recognised by fans

Messi also says would like to enjoy time with his family without being recognised by fans

‘I was disappointed. I deeply regret that episode. We won that Champions League and I was not sure what would happen again because it is a difficult competition to win. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to enjoy it.’    

Messi has also said he ‘would like to go unnoticed’ and ‘enjoy’ quality time with his family without being constantly recognised by fans. 

The Argentine – who just won the Ballon d’Or for a record seventh time after finishing ahead of Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho – says he does not like to ‘complain’ but admits ’34 years’ of fame is draining.

Nevertheless, the Paris Saint-Germain forward says ‘it is always nice to receive a compliment’ from his devoted fan base.   

Nevertheless, the forward says 'it is always nice to receive a compliment' from his fan base

Nevertheless, the forward says ‘it is always nice to receive a compliment’ from his fan base

Messi said: ‘I have been Messi for 34 years, so I am starting to get used to it. I am happy with everything that has happened. 

‘Although sometimes I have to admit that I would like to go unnoticed, enjoy my family without people recognise me. 

‘I do not complain, on the contrary, it is always nice to receive a compliment, a smile or someone who asks me for a photo. 

‘I am used to it and for me it has become normal. So very good.’ 



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