In the whirlwind world of football, the relationships between players, especially those of captains, often hold fascinating insights. Recently, Ivan Rakitic, the Croatian midfielder who shared the pitch with Lionel Messi during their time at Barcelona, shared some intriguing thoughts about Messi’s captaincy style. Let’s dive into the details.
Rakitic, who played alongside Messi from 2014 to 2020, praised Messi’s unparalleled skills, even suggesting that if Messi set his mind to it, he could excel as the best left-back globally. However, Rakitic also noted that Messi wasn’t always the most vocal in guiding teammates on the field. This, Rakitic explained, stemmed from Messi’s unique approach to the game rather than any deficiency in leadership.
The narrative took a turn when both players bid farewell to Barcelona. Messi ventured into a new chapter with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, while Rakitic returned to his roots at Sevilla before embracing a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Shabab.
As for their current endeavors, Messi has embarked on a successful journey in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami. His impact on the team has been profound, with impressive stats highlighting his contribution to Miami’s standing at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, Rakitic is embracing his role with Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, gearing up for an upcoming clash against Al-Ittihad led by the formidable Karim Benzema.
Conclusion:
The dynamic between Rakitic and Messi offers a glimpse into the intricacies of footballing relationships. While Messi’s leadership style may have been unconventional, his brilliance on the field remains unmatched. As they continue their respective journeys in different leagues and teams, their legacies endure, shaping the narrative of modern football.
FAQs:
1.What made Messi’s captaincy unique?
Rakitic highlighted Messi’s unparalleled talent on the field but noted that Messi wasn’t always vocal in directing teammates, attributing it to Messi’s distinctive approach to the game.
2.Where is Messi currently playing?
After departing Barcelona, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before making a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, where he currently competes.
3.What team does Rakitic play for now?
Rakitic returned to Sevilla briefly before accepting an offer to play for Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, where he continues to showcase his skills on the field