Barcelona legend reminded Messi that “Barcelona is the best place ever”

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, former Barcelona right back Dani Alves opens up about his conversations with Lionel Messi, his time at the club, and the disappointing end to a beautiful spell of his career in Spain.

In a heartfelt conversation, Alves revealed how painful it was to leave the club and how the previous board disrespected the Brazilian despite all his dedication and love towards Barcelona. The 37-year old remains to date, the most decorated footballer of all time in terms of team honours, however his time at Barcelona came to a bitter end.

“When I left the club, I just wanted to show my value to get back. But, unfortunately, the same people, who were against me when I was at the club, stayed there. I showed that I was able to play for Barcelona for another 10 years. I tried to go back to Barcelona. I played to go back to Barcelona, but they didn’t want me anymore,” said Alves.

Speaking about Lionel Messi’s continuity at the club, which remains a source of great debate, Alves said: “I have said to Messi several times: he was born to be a Barcelona player and Barcelona were born to be his club.”

“He has given me advice before so I can do the same to him. Once he told me to stay in Barcelona because there wasn’t any place that was better. ‘Where will you be happier?’ he asked me. So I stayed,” added the legendary defender.

Alves then stated that in a complicated scenario such as this one, he reminded Messi of their conversation: “Now I have reminded him of that conversation and that a good friend [him] advised me that Barcelona is the best place ever. I haven’t had an answer from him yet but when you leave Barcelona you realise how good it is.”

Alves is the latest of many club legends, including Xavi Hernandez, Luis Suarez and Pep Guardiola, who have come out in solidarity, beckoning Messi to stay at Barcelona.