“I celebrated it that way because that’s how Messi did it” - Barcelona star dismisses claims about copying Real Madrid rival Jude Bellingham

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has attributed his celebration to club legend Lionel Messi, rubbishing claims that he copied Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. Lopez was one of the breakout stars for La Blaugrana in the just-concluded 2023-24 season, and his performance earned him a place in the national team for Euro 2024.

A relatively unknown player even in the academy, Lopez was set to leave the club on loan before the start of the 2023-24 season. However, manager Xavi was said to be impressed with the young midfielder in pre-season and decided to continue with him in the Barcelona squad.

Lopez proved to be a reliable performer from midfield as he scored several important goals for his side, one of which came in El Clasico on April 21 this year. With the game against Real Madrid tied at 1-1, the Spanish midfielder came off the bench to score and put his side ahead in the 69th minute. After scoring, he climbed onto the advertising board and stretched out his arms, much like Jude Bellingham did later in the game after scoring the winner. Real Madrid won the game 3-2.

Sport spoke with Fermin Lopez about his celebration and how it looked like he was copying the Real Madrid star. The 21-year-old revealed that the celebration was dedicated to Lionel Messi, who had celebrated similarly after scoring for Barcelona in the same goal in the 2017-18 season.

"I celebrated it that way because that's how Messi celebrated it. Not because of Bellingham," Lopez said (via Sport and ESPN's X handle).

Fermin Lopez impressed in his debut season (2023-24), scoring 11 goals and providing one assist in 43 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions. He has made his bow at the Euros, featuring off the bench in the dead-rubber game against Albania, which Spain won 1-0. The midfielder has also been named in his country's squad for the Paris Olympics next month.

Real Madrid legend names Messi's former teammate as his favorite footballer

Real Madrid legend Nacho Fernandez has named a former teammate of his and Lionel Messi — Sergio Ramos — as his favorite footballer of all time. The Spaniard answered the question about his favorite player while on duty with the Spanish national team at Euro 2024.

Nacho revealed (via Daily Post Nigeria) that former club captain Ramos is his favorite footballer ever. The pair played together at the Santiago Bernabeu for several years, with Nacho understudying the legendary defender.

Ramos went on to play with Barcelona legend Messi in the French Ligue 1 at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before returning to Sevilla. Nacho leaves Real Madrid this summer as the most decorated player in the club's history and will join Saudi side Al-Qadsiah.