Lionel Messi needed to “score in every match” at Barcelona or he “didn’t feel satisfied,” according to one of his former teammates. World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti played alongside the Argentine legend at Camp Nou and witnessed first-hand the intense hunger that drove the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to dominate world football.
Humble Messi helps teammates to feel comfortable
Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016 and stayed in Catalonia until the end of Messi’s time at the club in 2021. During that period, he saw the legendary forward score at least 30 goals in five consecutive seasons — twice even surpassing the 50-goal mark.
Messi guided Barcelona to multiple La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, constantly chasing perfection despite being the most decorated player in football history. His modest personality made teammates feel at ease around him, while his professionalism created standards that others tried to follow.
What makes magical Messi special?
The former France defender spoke to *The Elevate House* about Messi’s mentality: “As a person, he is exceptional. You understand that even after winning everything, there is no reason to think you are above others.
“There is only one like him — Leo. At every level. He alone can decide a match, and very few players can do that. Even if we won 4-0 and he didn’t score, he wasn’t happy. In his mind, he always had to score. That’s what defines the great ones.”
Umtiti, a member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, also explained what makes Messi so unique: “He is ruthless in front of goal. He knows when to speed up and when to slow the game down. He is constantly scanning the pitch, checking where everyone is. He always seems to have more time than others. There is no formula to stop Leo — he is unpredictable.”
Umtiti worked with all-time greats at Camp Nou
While sharing the pitch with elite attackers such as Luis Suarez and Neymar, Umtiti also partnered with iconic defenders.
He said of another Barcelona legend, Gerard Pique: “He is one of the best defenders I’ve ever played with. He wasn’t the hardest worker physically because he was naturally gifted, but his reading of the game was unbelievable. Even when we were winning 3-0 or 4-0, he still wanted to go forward and score!”
Barcelona have consistently remained among the elite in domestic and international football by keeping their attention firmly on sporting success and minimizing outside distractions.
Reflecting on that culture, Umtiti said: “At Barca, players only focus on football. Everything else is taken care of, which helps you concentrate. We didn’t stay in hotels the night before games. You arrived at the stadium two hours early. They made you responsible and treated you like a professional.”
The Barcelona way: What makes La Liga giants different?
Barcelona are also famous for developing their own stars. The renowned La Masia academy has produced players such as Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lamine Yamal.
Whether promoted from the youth system or signed from elsewhere, players are taught to stay humble. Umtiti believes this mentality plays a huge role in success.
He explained how life at Barca differed from clubs in other countries: “In France, when some players sign their first contracts, they already think too highly of themselves. Not at Barca. People were simple. They came to training wearing sponsor clothes. That keeps your feet on the ground.”
Barcelona have already lifted the Spanish Super Cup this season and have reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals and the Champions League last 16, while holding a one-point lead at the top of La Liga. Messi, now playing for MLS champions Inter Miami, is watching from afar as the club continues to build on the foundations he helped create.
