SSoccer has many stories left to tell. Samuel Umtiti has returned to the Spotify Camp Nou, where he has played many times alongside Lionel Messi, but this time to watch and commentate on the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atltico Madrid.
Despite winning 3-0 (3-4), Barcelona could not change the situation, but a comical anecdote about the former Bara player’s “number 10” became a hot topic.
Umtiti recalls funny moments with Messi in Barcelona
The French soccer player and 2018 World Cup winner took part in DAZN France’s broadcast of the match. There he recalled his time at the Catalan club from 2016 to 2023 after joining from Olympique Lyon.
Of course, one of his fondest memories at the club was when he scored his first goal, and what made it even better was the assist from Lionel Messi.
“My first goal for Barça was a pass from Messi. I was so excited and I looked at him and thought, ‘Wow, I can tell the kids later.’ I went to thank him and he said, ‘That’s normal, there’s no need to worry,'” Umtiti revealed.
Additionally, Samuel said his bond with the Argentine moved beyond the soccer field to the basketball court, where he didn’t think he shined as much.
“Off the field, we played basketball, shot shots, and gambled money. He would always say to me, ‘Sam, do you want to play with me?’ At first I didn’t understand why, but later I realized it was because I smoked badly!” he said.
Leo and Samuel shared a dressing room for five seasons, from the Frenchman’s arrival in 2016 until the Argentine’s departure for PSG in 2021. Together they played 124 matches, winning 7 titles in 91 of them.
Meanwhile, Umtiti officially retired on September 15, 2025. His contract with Barcelona ended in 2023, and after a brief stint at Lille, lingering injuries (particularly to his knee) forced him to retire at just 31 years old.
Meanwhile, Messi will continue his career at Inter Miami after renewing his contract until December 2028. He is currently playing in the 2026 season of MLS and has just picked up his first win after losing in his debut (3-0) against LAFC.
After defeating Orlando City (2-4), Leo and Inter Miami’s next challenge will be an away match against DC United on Saturday, March 7th at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
