Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time and has played in some iconic stadiums during his career. The Argentine has controlled games of football since 2004, starring for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami, with fans from all across the world flocking to stadiums to watch the attacker in action.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won four Champions League titles with Barcelona and has played in plenty of countries across Europe, coming up against some raucous crowds during that time.
Interestingly, Messi actually picked out one Scottish giant as “the best atmosphere in Europe”, with the Argentina icon playing at both Celtic Park and Ibrox during his time as a Barcelona player.
Messi’s record vs Celtic (home and away)
Games
6
Wins
5
Goals
8
Messi’s record vs Rangers (home and away)
Games
2
Wins
1
Goals
1
In 2007, Messi played in a 0-0 Champions League group stage draw with Rangers in his only visit to Ibrox.
He fared much better on the other side of Glasgow against Celtic, though, scoring braces in victories in 2008 and 2016, while also getting on the scoresheet in a shock 2-1 defeat in 2012.
He came up against Fraser Forster as the Hoops defeated Barcelona, with Messi later admitting he was left shocked by the goalkeeper’s display that evening.
“The performance of Fraser Forster against us was talked about for a long time. There was one game in Scotland when he was not human, it was the best goalkeeping performance I have seen. When Victor Valdes said that he was leaving Barcelona we even talked about him playing here.”
Messi decides between Celtic and Rangers for best atmosphere
Talking in 2015, Messi was asked to name the best stadium atmosphere he has ever experienced as a player. He named Celtic over Rangers, describing Parkhead as “special”, “a tough place to go” and “the best” in Europe.
“The games against Celtic were special and I want to remember them. Celtic Park is a tough place to go to. It’s never easy to get a result there. We know we would get a tough game if we drew them in the Champions League, but everybody involved in those Barcelona v Celtic games wants to go and play there again.
“It is the best atmosphere in Europe and we all want to experience that again.”
Messi, who is now with Inter Miami in the United States of America, may never play at Parkhead again, but his three visits to Glasgow certainly left a mark on one of the best footballers to ever play the game.
