Lionel Messi disclosed that there exists a particular match in his illustrious career that he “deeply regrets having missed.”

Lionel Messi disclosed that there exists a particular match in his illustrious career that he “deeply regrets having missed.”

Lionel Messi, the former forward for Barcelona, has articulated his profound regret regarding his absence from a Champions League match against Arsenal.

Throughout his illustrious and record-setting career, Messi has participated in numerous matches that are regarded as some of the most unforgettable in the annals of football history. Indeed, no athlete in the annals of sports history has secured a greater number of trophies than Lionel Messi.

The Argentine maestro has amassed an impressive collection, including ten La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, two Ligue 1 championships, a Copa America, and a World Cup, among numerous other accolades.

Nevertheless, the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient expressed profound regret regarding his absence from the final of Barcelona’s 2006 Champions League victory over Arsenal in Paris.

Although the Catalan club staged a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory against Arsenal, Messi, who was merely 18 years old at the time, was unable to participate in the match due to a hamstring injury.

In an interview with the Spanish publication AS in 2021, he expressed, “I regret that I did not [go out].” I was unaware of the situation that was unfolding.

I would have preferred to have been seated on the bench that evening.Prior to my injury sustained during the match against Chelsea in the round of 16, I had participated in every Champions League match throughout my tenure.

I experienced a sense of disappointment. I sincerely lament that incident. “We secured the Champions League title, yet I remained uncertain about the prospects of achieving such success again, as it is an exceedingly challenging competition to conquer.”

Certainly, Messi subsequently participated in three additional UEFA Champions League finals, scoring in both Barcelona’s victories in 2009 and 2011.