Jérémy Mathieu Snubs Messi: “I Was Better at Free Kicks”
Jérémy Mathieu free kicks vs Messi
Mathieu Claims He Was Better Than Messi at Free Kicks
Cheeky Claim in Recent Interview
Former Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu has made a cheeky claim recently. He shared something bold in his new interview about his abilities. The statement focused regarding Lionel Messi specifically and surprisingly. Additionally, a cheeky claim in his new interview was made by him. Moreover, the former France international has claimed something outrageous now. He stated that he was better than Messi surprisingly. Specifically, better free-kick taking was claimed by the Frenchman. The claim applies at taking free kicks over the Argentine legend. His confidence about this skill stands out boldly.
Mathieu’s Barcelona Career Context
Previously, Mathieu spent three seasons at the Camp Nou. He played alongside Messi at the dusk of his career. The Frenchman joined Barcelona at an advanced age. Moreover, he established himself as a key player earlier. This happened at Valencia between 2009 and 2014. His best years came at the Mestalla Stadium. Furthermore, he even captained Los Ches during his time. The armband showed his leadership qualities at Valencia.
Subsequently, the Frenchman signed for Barcelona in 2014. The transfer happened when he was already mature. Moreover, expectations were not too big from him initially. Few expected major contributions at the time realistically. This happened as he was already 30 years of age. His age raised questions about adaptation and longevity.
However, Mathieu did a pretty decent job surprisingly. He performed well when called upon during his time. Specifically, this happened during his time at Barca consistently. Moreover, he made 91 appearances for the club. These appearances came for the Catalan giants across competitions. His contributions proved valuable despite limited playing time.
Trophy Success at Camp Nou
Furthermore, Mathieu won eight trophies during his stint. The medals came during his time at Camp Nou. His brief stay proved successful trophy-wise completely. Specifically, he won including two LaLiga titles domestically. The league championships came in consecutive seasons successfully. Additionally, he lifted one Champions League trophy too. The European glory came in 2015 memorably against Juventus.
Memorable Free Kick Against Elche
Moreover, one of his best memories stands out. The moment came from his brief stint at Barca. Specifically, it was his wonderful free-kick against Elche. The goal happened in the 2015 Copa del Rey competition. The strike showcased his technical ability with set pieces. Fans still remember the perfectly executed free kick today.
Bold Comparison with Messi
Subsequently, while recalling his time at Camp Nou recently, humor emerged. The Frenchman joked about his abilities light-heartedly and boldly. Specifically, he joked that he was better than Messi. The claim focused on a better free-kick taker than Lionel Messi. His confidence about set pieces showed clearly through this statement.
He said, as quoted by Barca Blaugranes:
“I think I was better at free kicks than Lionel Messi.”
Limited On-Field Partnership
Finally, Mathieu shared the pitch with Lionel Messi regularly. They played on 76 occasions for Barcelona together. The partnership lasted across three seasons at Camp Nou. Moreover, they had one joint goal participation only. Their direct collaboration produced minimal statistics surprisingly between them.
Indeed, Jeremy Mathieu’s cheeky claim that “I think I was better at free kicks than Lionel Messi,” made while recalling his 2014-2017 Barcelona stint where he made 91 appearances and won eight trophies including two LaLiga titles and one Champions League despite arriving at age 30 with modest expectations, highlights the confidence from his memorable 2015 Copa del Rey free-kick against Elche, though his 76 appearances alongside Messi yielded just one joint goal participation between the French defender and the Argentine legend.
Joan Laporta Claims Lionel Messi Opted Against a Barcelona Return in 2023
Transfer sagas involving legends captivate football fans worldwide. Return stories create emotional connections with supporters always. Moreover, failed reunion attempts generate speculation and disappointment. Furthermore, club presidents occasionally reveal behind-the-scenes details. Therefore, Laporta’s comments provide insight into Messi’s decision-making.
Laporta’s Revelation
Barcelona president Joan Laporta made surprising claims recently. He shared details about transfer negotiations previously kept private. Moreover, Joan Laporta has claimed something controversial publicly. Furthermore, that Lionel Messi snubbed the opportunity surprisingly. Additionally, to return to the club in 2023. Therefore, Barcelona’s attempts to bring back Messi failed.
Barcelona’s Efforts
The club president revealed they pursued their legend. He has claimed that efforts were made. Moreover, the Catalan giants tried to act. Furthermore, to bring him back to Camp Nou. Additionally, in the summer of 2023 specifically attempted. Therefore, Barcelona wanted Messi back desperately then.
Choosing Inter Miami
However, the Argentine chose a different path. But he chose to join another club. Moreover, Inter Miami instead of Barcelona surprisingly. Furthermore, MLS football over returning to Spain. Therefore, Messi rejected Barcelona’s approach completely then.
PSG Contract Situation
The timing made Messi available for transfer. Barcelona reportedly approached Messi at the right moment. Moreover, when his contract with PSG was expiring. Furthermore, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was up for expiry. Additionally, in 2023 specifically ending then. Therefore, Barcelona saw an opportunity to bring him home.
Laporta’s Explanation
However, the president explained why the move failed. Laporta has claimed that Messi made a choice. Moreover, opted to move to somewhere different. Furthermore, to MLS side Inter Miami chosen. Additionally, due to multiple reasons influencing his decision. Therefore, various factors prevented the Barcelona return happening.
Laporta’s Complete Statement
The Barcelona president shared his thoughts about the situation. He explained the circumstances surrounding Messi’s decision clearly.
“At the time, an attempt was made in 2023, but Messi preferred to go to Inter Miami for various reasons. He made this decision, which is very respectable.”
Confirming the Attempt
Laporta began by acknowledging Barcelona’s efforts made. At the time, something happened specifically. Moreover, an attempt was made in 2023. Furthermore, Barcelona tried bringing him back then. Therefore, the club pursued their greatest player actively.
Messi’s Preference
However, Messi chose differently than Barcelona hoped. But Messi preferred to go elsewhere. Moreover, to Inter Miami for various reasons. Furthermore, multiple factors influenced his choice made. Therefore, MLS appealed more than Barcelona surprisingly then.
Respecting the Decision
Finally, Laporta showed class in accepting rejection. He made this decision independently chosen. Moreover, which is very respectable acknowledged graciously. Furthermore, Laporta respected Messi’s right to choose. Therefore, no bitterness exists from Barcelona’s side.
Messi’s Barcelona Exit
The context began with his emotional departure. Messi left Barcelona in a painful way. Moreover, in the summer of 2021 surprisingly happened. Furthermore, following his contract expiry occurred then. Additionally, amid the club’s financial struggles faced. Therefore, financial problems forced Barcelona’s greatest exit.
PSG Chapter
Subsequently, Messi joined the French giants quickly. He joined PSG in 2021 immediately. Moreover, and had a mixed spell there. Furthermore, at the French capital club played. Additionally, where he scored 32 goals impressively. Moreover, and provided 35 assists to teammates. Furthermore, in 75 games played total overall. Therefore, decent numbers but below his Barcelona standards.
Inter Miami Success
Eventually, the Argentine superstar moved to America. He joined Inter Miami in 2023. Moreover, in the summer of 2023 specifically. Furthermore, and has since been transformative there. Additionally, been the face of MLS completely. Therefore, Messi revolutionized American soccer significantly.
MLS Statistics
His impact in America shows through numbers. He has scored 77 goals remarkably. Moreover, and provided 44 assists to teammates. Furthermore, in 89 games played for club. Additionally, for the Herons so far achieved. Therefore, Messi’s MLS career proves extraordinarily productive, validating his decision to choose Inter Miami over a sentimental return to Barcelona in 2023 despite Joan Laporta’s claims that the Catalan club wanted him back.
