Former Barcelona striker Ibrahim Afellay has opened up the secrets of how he communicated with Lionel Messi during his time at the Nou Camp despite their language barrier.
Lionel Messi wowed the world with his performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has scored three goals and provided one assist so far, leading Argentina to the quarter-finals.
The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar has been one of the most talked about topics at the World Cup so far.The Netherlands is no exception and the country will face La Albiceleste in the quarterfinals.
pass by Lionel Messi During his time in Barcelona, Afellay opened up about his experiences with him. The Dutch recalled how the two overcame language barriers to communicate with each other.
The ex-Barcelona striker explained that no one in the dressing room spoke English at the time, apart from Guardiola and Pique. However, according to him, everyone communicates with each other in the language of football.Afelai was quoted by the Dutch broadcaster as saying NOS:
“Most of the Barcelona players don’t speak English, except Pique and Guardiola. Of course, you meet every day and everyone speaks the language of football. A few words are enough to understand each other.”
It is clear that Afellay, who announced his retirement from his career in January 2021, has nothing but respect for Lionel Messi. However, he wants his country, the Netherlands, to emerge victorious in the face of the challenge. Argentina At the World Cup on Friday (9 December).
Afellay played 31 games with Lionel Messi at Barcelona
In January 2011, Afeilai joined Catalonia from the Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for 3 million euros. He went on to remain on their roster for another four-and-a-half years, but mostly on loan.
Despite this, the former attacker has shared 31 matches with Lionel Messi. He even provided an assist for the Argentine in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the 2010-11 Champions League semi-final.
Afeilai finally changed Blaugrana Played for English club Stoke City in the summer of 2015. He hung up his boots last year after a brief spell with former club PSV.
Messi also ended his ties with the La Liga giants, joining Paris Saint-Germain last year.There are indications that he will soon be on the way to major league soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami.
