“At that time, I didn’t realise all of that” - Lionel Messi shares why he ‘enjoyed less’ than he wanted at Barcelona 

Argentina captain Lionel Messi opened up about his diminishing enjoyment of the game during his last few days at Barcelona. The 36-year-old left the Camp Nou on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 after 17 seasons and a slew of records.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is the Blaugrana's all-time goalscorer (672), assist provider (303) and appearance maker (778 games across competitions between 2004 and 2021).

Since his Barca exit, Messi has won three international titles with the Albiceleste and is pursuing another at the ongoing Copa America 2024 in the USA. As per Albiceleste Talk (via Clank on YouTube), the 36-year-old said about his Barca stint:

"I enjoyed less than I would have liked all the matches with Barcelona. Honestly, yes. At that time, I didn’t realise all of that.”

Messi and Co. have opened their Copa America title defence with a 2-0 win over Canada in Atlanta, Georgia.

After a goalless first half, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez ensured that Lionel Scaloni's side opened their campaign with all three points, with Messi assisting one of those goals.

The record 15-time Copa champions continue their campaign against 2015-16 champions Chile on Tuesday (June 25) in New Jersey.

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What is Barcelona legend Lionel Messi's record at the Copa America?

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has an impressive record at the Copa America. In 25 games across eight different editions, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has racked up 13 goals and 18 assists.

The Barcelona legend made his debut in the continental competition in 2007 - where he bagged two goals and an assist in six games - as La Albiceleste lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final.

He assisted thrice in four games without scoring in his next appearance in 2011 as Argentina lost on penalties to Uruguay in the quarterfinals. In 2015, Messi scored once and assisted thrice in six games as the Albiceleste lost 4-1 on penalties in the final to Chile.

A year later - in the Copa America Centenario in the USA - Messi and Co. again reached the final. Messi produced a sparkling campaign - five goals and four assists in five games - but Argentina once again lost to Chile in the final - once again on penalties (4-2).

In 2019, La Pulga had a lean campaign - one goal and an assist in six games - losing 2-0 to Brazil in the semis before finishing third. Two years later, Lionel Messi won his first international trophy with the Albiceleste - contributing four goals and five assists - as they beat hosts Brazil 1-0 in the Maracana final.