Lionel Messi was the undisputed star of the show when Barcelona thrashed Arsenal 4-1 in the Champions League 14 years ago today. However, it was the classy gesture of one Gunners player that left the Argentine legend stunned after the match.
According to Messi, after Barcelona’s 6-3 aggregate victory, one of the Arsenal players approached him and expressed that it had been an “honour” to share the pitch with him, despite his team’s defeat.
“One of the Arsenal players came up to me afterwards and said it had been an honour to be on the same pitch as me,” Messi revealed to The Mirror [via The Express]. “I thought, ‘My God, that is a great thing to say when your team has just lost’.
“Messi was clearly taken aback by the respectful attitude of the unnamed Arsenal player, noting that “English clubs are physical and tough, and they play strong for the whole game. But afterwards they shake hands and they are fair.
“At the time, Messi was on a mission to secure his third Champions League title, having scored a goal in the previous year’s final against Manchester United. Barcelona’s resilience was on full display as they overcame their 2009-10 semi-final defeat to Inter Milan by triumphing over United at Wembley the following season.
The classy gesture from the Arsenal player underscores the mutual respect and sportsmanship that can exist even in the heat of high-stakes European competition. Messi’s recollection of this moment serves as a reminder of the positive impact such actions can have, even in the face of a heavy defeat.
As Arsenal prepare to return to the Champions League quarter-finals, this story from 14 years ago provides a timely example of the kind of class and dignity that can transcend the result on the pitch.
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