Lionel Messi is not just a brilliant star on the pitch; behind the scenes in Barcelona’s dressing room, he was a strict taskmaster of himself. Former teammate Marc Bartra has revealed how Messi dealt harshly with his own mistakes yet transformed games with his unwavering mental strength.
Bartra shared, “Whenever Messi missed a penalty, he would harshly scold himself, pulling at his jersey and repeatedly asking, ‘What did I do? What did I do?’”
But Messi didn’t let frustration hold him back. According to Bartra, “When he came back on in the second half, his mental resilience would lift the entire team and change the course of the match.”
Having played alongside Messi from 2010 to 2016, Bartra reflected, “Being the best isn’t just about skill; it’s about acknowledging your mistakes and rising stronger. Messi’s inner strength is what truly set him apart.”
Now playing for Real Betis, Bartra added, “In our time, mental health wasn’t discussed much, but Messi clearly showed how crucial it is. He even sought help from a psychologist, which was very important for him.”
Messi himself admitted in a 2024 interview, “At first, I felt uncomfortable going to a psychologist, as I kept everything inside—good and bad. But later I realized it really helped me.”
Behind the greatest player on the field lies a tough mental journey and unshakable resolve—qualities that made Messi truly extraordinary.
