When Messi Admitted Barcelona Players Hated Chelsea More Than Even Real Madrid

• Lionel Messi once admitted that some Barcelona players hated Chelsea more than Real Madrid
• The Spanish and English sides played controversial Champions League games in the late 2000s
• Messi generally struggled against the Premier League side, scoring only thrice in 10 UCL games

Barcelona and Real Madrid share one of the biggest rivalries in football. The two most successful clubs in Spain often compete for the top titles and players.

El Clasico, as it is known, might have receded in recent years due to the exits of star performers, but it remains the most-awaited game on the La Liga calendar.

It was therefore amusing, surprising even, when Lionel Messi said that there was a time when Barcelona players hated a club more than their rivals.

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Ahead of a Round of 16 clash against Chelsea in 2006, an 18-year-old Messi admitted that La Blaugrana players hated the English side more than Real Madrid.

"There are players here who hate Chelsea more than Real Madrid. I never thought I would hear myself say that," he said as quoted by Sky Sports.

"I also never thought I would see something worse than the Boca and River Plate rivalry or Brazil versus Argentina - but this is."

Messi, who would go on to win eight Ballon d'Or titles, also admitted that they would rather have faced any other side than the West London club.

"We would rather play Arsenal, Manchester United, or anyone else than be on the pitch with Chelsea."

Barcelona vs Chelsea rivalry

The two teams faced each other in the latter stages of the Champions League, with most games being ill-tempered, closely contested, and involving dubious officiating decisions.

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La Blaugrana won in 2009 courtesy of a late Andreas Iniesta strike to advance to the finals.

Three years later, the Blues would get their revenge when Fernando Torres rounded Victor Valdes late in the game to send Chelsea to their second final.

Barcelona congratulates Real Madrid

Sports Brief has also reported that Barcelona congratulated Real Madrid for winning the 2023/2024 La Liga title.

Xavi Hernandez's side lost to Girona 4-2 to give Los Blancos an unassailable lead at the top of the Spanish league.

The Catalans are now set to go trophyless after bowing out to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League.