For many fans, Lionel Messi is considered the greatest footballer of all time, with his seven Ballon d’Or awards reflecting his incredible talent and skills on the pitch. Ivan Rakitic had the privilege of playing alongside Messi at Barcelona for six seasons from 2014 to 2020, during which they won various prestigious titles including the Champions League, Club World Cup, La Liga, and Copa del Rey trophies.
When asked by FourFourTwo about his favorite memory of playing alongside Messi, Rakitic struggled to choose just one moment.
Rakitic reflects on his incredible six-year journey playing alongside Messi, unable to pinpoint just one memorable moment. He emphasizes the value of their entire time together, filled with unforgettable games and experiences. Playing with Messi taught him a new approach to football, where giving him the ball meant trusting his decision-making abilities to benefit the whole team. Rakitic acknowledges that Messi is a rare talent in the world of sports, capable of guiding the team with his choices during a match. Despite his partnership with other world-class players in midfield, the opportunity to play alongside Messi was truly special for Rakitic.
Rakitic and Modric played crucial roles in Croatia’s success during the 2018 World Cup. The 35-year-old has had the privilege to share the field with football legends like Xavi, Iniesta, and Modric. Reflecting on these experiences, Rakitic expresses his gratitude and explains how amazing it was to play alongside such talented and humble individuals. He cherishes the memories of playing with them both on and off the pitch, considering them not just as teammates but also as lifelong friends.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/metroworldnews/5DLH6AKYKNAZ5MMLJRDOKXLTUM.jpg)
I spent a whole year absorbing knowledge from Xavi every single day – whether it was on the training ground, in the locker room, on trips, or even during matches. It was an intense season of constant learning that left a lasting impact on me.