“I was lucky to meet you personally and you surprised me” - When Lionel Messi told ex-teammate their paths will cross despite Barcelona exit

Lionel Messi had sent a heartwarming message to former teammate Arturo Vidal when the Chile star left Barcelona. The Argentine legend stated that he was surprised by the midfielder and was hoping they get to play together in the future.

Taking to Instagram after Vidal left Barcelona in 2020, Messi posted a few photos with the Chile midfielder and sent him a message. The Inter Miami star claimed that he knew the former Juventus man was a phenomenon, but the two years they spent together at Camp Nou surprised him even more.

Messi wrote:

"I only knew you from facing each other and you always seemed like a phenomenon to me, but later I was lucky to meet you personally and you surprised me even more. They were two years sharing many things and you made yourself noticed. The dressing room is going to miss you. I wish you all the best in this new stage at your new club. We will cross paths again, for sure."

Arturo Vidal was quick to acknowledge the message and commented:

"Thanks alien! I am proud to have played with the greatest in history and thank you very much for your friendship. I miss you. See you soon."

Lionel Messi and Arthuro Vidal played 81 matches together at Barcelona and combined for 10 goals. They faced off eight times for club and country, with the Argentine icon winning half the matches.

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Arturo Vidal picked former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo

Arturo Vidal spoke to Corriere dello Sport in 2020 and stated that there was no comparison between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He claimed that the Argentine legend was from another planet.

Vidal said:

"There is no comparison between Messi and Ronaldo. Leo is from another planet. Of the two years I spent with him, many things have remained in my heart. A beautiful friendship was born between us, a relationship that will remain forever. United for life."

While talking to FlaTV in 2022, Vidal admitted that he was still in contact with Messi and said:

"We are still in contact. Leo is a very calm person, focused on what football is, he thinks a lot. He has a quality that is difficult to explain, but I have had other strong teammates like Ribéry, Robben, Lewandowski. It would be unfair to name a few."

Arturo Vidal is currently playing for Colo-Colo, while Lionel Messi is the captain of MLS side Inter Miami.