Former Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng has opened up about the extraordinary level of influence Lionel Messi held at Barcelona, revealing that his own move to the club depended entirely on the Argentine superstar’s approval.
Boateng, who joined Barça on loan from Sassuolo in January 2019, recounted the story during an appearance on Unscripted The Show. According to the former midfielder, his transfer was all but finalized—until the club insisted on consulting Messi first.
“Before I arrived, the two sporting directors told me they wanted me, the president wanted me, and so did the coach,” Boateng said. “I was going to sign the next day. I woke up, and they said, ‘No, we need to speak to Leo first.’ He had that power.”
The revelation highlighted just how much weight Messi’s opinion carried behind the scenes.
“I was going to sleep hoping that Leo liked me or saw me in the team,” Boateng continued. “I was like, ‘Tomorrow I can sign my shirt with Barcelona, but if Leo says no, I’m not going to sign the contract.’ Messi had that kind of power. If Messi had refused my arrival, I couldn’t have signed for Barça.”
Boateng eventually joined the Catalan giants, making history as the first Ghanaian to play for the club. But his admission adds fresh insight into Messi’s unique authority at Barcelona during the peak of his career—extending far beyond the pitch.
