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The Unyielding Pursuit: Messi's Insatiable Goal Hunger
During his illustrious spell at Camp Nou from 2016 to 2021, Samuel Umtiti witnessed firsthand the relentless ambition of Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner routinely shattered records, scoring 30+ goals in five consecutive seasons, even hitting 50+ goals in two campaigns.
"If we won 4-0 and he didn't score, he wasn't happy," Umtiti shared with The Elevate House. "In his head, it was clear: he had to score all the time. That's the sign of the big ones." This unflinching drive explains why Messi consistently elevated Barcelona to La Liga and Copa del Rey triumphs.
Beyond the Brilliance: The Humble Genius of La Pulga
Despite being arguably the most decorated player in history, Messi's humility often surprised new teammates. Umtiti emphasized this crucial aspect of his character, noting that it made others feel at ease in his formidable presence.
"As a person, he is top," Umtiti stated. "You realise that even if you have won everything, it is useless to believe you are superior. There is only one, it's Leo. At all levels." This grounded approach allowed his individual standards to inspire rather than intimidate.
Unlocking Defenses: Messi's Tactical Masterclass
Umtiti, a 2018 World Cup winner, further elaborated on the tactical wizardry that made Messi impossible to defend. His "killer" instinct in front of goal was matched by an extraordinary footballing intelligence.
"He knew exactly when to accelerate and when to slow down the game," Umtiti explained. "He is always looking left and right, checking everyone's positioning. He always has a time advantage. There is no recipe to defend Leo, he is unpredictable."
The Blaugrana Blueprint: Nurturing Greatness & Humility
Beyond **Messi's** individual brilliance, Umtiti's insights also shed light on the unique culture at **Barcelona**. The club, famed for its **La Masia** academy and producing legends like **Xavi** and **Andres Iniesta**, fosters an environment where players can purely focus on their craft.
"In **Barca**, the player only deals with football. Everything else is managed, and that allows you to concentrate," Umtiti noted. He contrasted this with other leagues, where young players might quickly lose their grounding. "In France, when you sign your first contracts, some already believe a lot. Not at **Barca**. People were simple, they came to training in the clothes of their sponsors. That keeps you on your feet on the ground."
This unwavering focus on humility and responsibility extended even to defensive stalwarts. **Umtiti** praised **Gerard Pique's** "incredible reading of the game," despite his occasional forays forward, showcasing that winning mentality permeated the entire squad.
As **Barcelona** continues its pursuit of glory in **La Liga**, the **Copa del Rey**, and the **Champions League**, **Messi's** legacy, now at **Inter Miami**, remains a powerful foundational blueprint. The club's ongoing success, including their recent **Spanish Super Cup** victory, underscores the enduring power of the values instilled by its greatest talents.
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