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Lionel Messi opened up about the game he regretted missing most.
Throughout his record-breaking career, Messi’s celestial game has been characterised by several jaw-dropping moments and eye-watering amounts of silverware.
No player in history has won more trophies than Messi, with the Argentina icon having claimed 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, two Ligue 1 crowns, a Copa America and a World Cup to name but a few.
However, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted he deeply regrets missing the final of Barcelona’s 2006 Champions League triumph against Arsenal in Paris,
While the Catalan giants came back from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1, Messi, who was 18 years old at the time, missed out on the game due to a hamstring injury.
The then-teenager was so upset to miss the final that he refused to attend celebrations.
Speaking to AS back in 2021, via TNT Sports, he said: “I’m sorry I didn’t [go out]. I didn’t realise what was happening.
“At least I would have liked to be on the bench that night. Until my injury, [against Chelsea in the round of 16], I participated in every Champions League game in my career.
“I was disappointed. I deeply regret that episode. We won that Champions League and I was not sure what would happen again because it is a difficult competition to win.”
Of course, Messi went on to feature in three further Champions League finals, netting in both Barcelona’s 2009 and 2011 triumphs.
Indeed the 5 ft 7 inch attacker counted his looping header against Manchester United in 2009 among the favourite goals of his career.
Speaking to Four Four Two in 2017, Messi said: “It was hard to imagine that I’d have a chance to score a header with a defender like [Rio] Ferdinand near me, but I saw that I didn’t have anyone marking me and the ball settled down so I could make the shot.
“When the ball Xavi put in was in the box, I could already see myself scoring and thank God it was possible.
“It was a very important goal in every way: for the team, for the way that final was being played and for me. It’s one of my favourite goals.
“After missing the 2006 final through injury, it was very special to play this final and score. It completed a season in which we won everything.”
