Pinto speaks about his relationship with Lionel Messi
In a recent interview with SoyFutbol, Pinto expressed, “It bothers me that people always ask me about Messi. I’d rather they ask about me.”
He mentioned, “Many people come up to me just to ask about Messi, and I don’t have to share anything. To me, he’s my friend. He talked to me a lot and felt comfortable.”
This statement highlighted both his admiration for Messi and his frustration. Pinto emphasized that while he values their friendship, he wishes his own career received more attention.
After retiring, Pinto has carved out a new path in music and business as a producer under the name Pinto Wahin.
He feels that the ongoing focus on Messi distracts from his achievements post-football and his history as a professional player. Pinto made it clear: he respects Messi but wants recognition for his own success.
Pinto’s career at Barcelona with Lionel Messi
Pinto joined Barcelona from Celta Vigo in 2008, mainly serving as a backup to Víctor Valdes. While he had limited appearances in La Liga, he was a stable presence in the squad, participating regularly in Copa del Rey and cup matches.
His leadership and professionalism earned him respect among teammates, playing under managers like Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova, and Gerardo Martino.
During his time at Barcelona, Pinto won six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, and two Copa del Rey titles. He was part of a highly successful era in football, playing alongside legends such as Messi, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Gerard Pique.
Despite not getting much game time, Pinto gained a solid reputation for fostering team spirit, often recognized by teammates for his positive influence off the pitch.
His bond with Messi grew from trust and respect, as he was known to defend Messi publicly and bridge communication between him and the other players. Although their friendship persists after retirement, Pinto’s recent comments indicate that he prefers to step back from constant comparisons.
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
