Why spending time with Lionel Messi was like a ‘dream’ for Alejandro Garnacho
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images Alejandro Garnacho has shared what it felt like to spend time alongside Lionel Messi, describing the experience as something that went far beyond anything he had imagined. The Chelsea winger, now part of Argentina’s evolving squad, has quickly found himself in an environment filled with world-class talent, but nothing quite compares to being around Messi on a daily basis. For a young player still establishing himself, the opportunity to observe and interact with one of the greatest players of all time carries a different level of significance.
It is not just about sharing the pitch, but about witnessing greatness up close and understanding what sets it apart. Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images Alejandro Garnacho explains what makes Lionel Messi different behind the scenes Speaking in an interview reported via Mundo Albiceleste , Garnacho offered a detailed reflection on his first impressions of Messi, focusing on the contrast between his personality off the pitch and his level on it. Garnacho said, “He is a normal person, if you’re eating with the rest of the players, he seems just like anyone else, very humble.
And when you watch him train, you see his quality… But it’s Messi! ” For Garnacho, that humility stands out just as much as the technical brilliance he displays during training sessions. At the same time, there is a clear shift the moment Messi steps onto the training pitch, where the level of execution and control immediately sets him apart, reinforcing why he continues to be regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Alejandro Garnacho says a week with Lionel Messi felt like a dream Garnacho also reflected on the first time he was fully integrated into the national team environment, describing how surreal it felt to spend extended time alongside Messi during camp. He added, “I remember the first time I was with him, the first training camp, eating every day, training, sleeping… One week with him, it was a dream. I asked him for a picture and everything.
” The experience captures the reality for many younger players entering the Argentina setup, where the line between professional teammate and lifelong idol can briefly blur. Even at the highest level, moments like these still carry a sense of disbelief. Spending an entire week training, eating, and living within the same environment allowed Garnacho to see a side of Messi that is rarely visible from the outside, offering insight into both his routine and mentality.