"It Felt Strange": Player Opens Up About Messi's Unwanted Kiss

Francisco Trincão, the Portuguese winger who played alongside Lionel Messi during the 2020/21 season at FC Barcelona, recently opened up about his initial experience of living and training with the Argentine superstar. Trincão’s comments shed light on the cultural differences between himself and Messi, especially concerning the way the two players greeted each other. According to Trincão, it took him a while to get used to Messi’s habit of greeting teammates with a kiss, a cultural practice common in Argentina and Uruguay.

In an honest and candid interview, Trincão discussed how his first few weeks at Barcelona were shaped by this unique aspect of Messi's personality, offering insight into the human side of one of football's greatest ever players.

Trincão’s First Impressions of Messi: The Kiss That Took Time to Adjust To

When Francisco Trincão arrived at FC Barcelona in 2020, he was stepping into a world where Lionel Messi was the undisputed leader and a living legend of the club. Trincão, who had just made the move from Braga, found himself in awe of the Argentine’s talent and status. However, it wasn’t only Messi’s footballing abilities that caught his attention—it was also his personal greeting style, which at first felt unfamiliar and a bit strange to the young Portuguese winger.

Messi’s Greeting Tradition

• The Kiss Greeting: In Argentina and Uruguay, it’s a common cultural practice to greet others with a kiss on the cheek. This tradition, which is prevalent in many Latin American countries, also extends to sports teams and professional settings.
• Messi’s Habit: Messi, who has spent the majority of his career in Argentina, is accustomed to this tradition and would often greet his teammates, including Trincão, with a kiss on the cheek in the morning.

For Trincão, this was a custom he had never encountered before, and at first, he found it somewhat awkward.

Trincão Talks About His Discomfort with Messi’s Greeting

During his first few weeks at Barcelona, Trincão admitted that the constant cheek kisses from Messi left him feeling uncomfortable. The winger, who was coming from a different cultural background in Portugal, wasn’t used to such close physical greetings, especially in a professional setting.

Trincão’s Words:

"Living with him is a bit strange at first, and it’s something cultural from Argentina and Uruguay, where they give a lot of kisses when greeting. He would give me a kiss in the morning. And of course, I arrived at Barça, and Messi would greet you with a kiss. It was a bit weird. But then, I got used to it, and in the end, it’s just the same—it’s normal. After the first two weeks, you get used to it, but yes, at the start, it was a bit difficult.”

The Adjustment Period: How Trincão Got Used to the Custom

Initially, Trincão found Messi's greeting routine a little unsettling, especially considering the formal and often reserved approach to greetings that is common in Portugal and other European countries. In his early days at the club, this practice stood out as one of the most notable differences between his home culture and that of his new teammates.

The Cultural Shift:

• European vs. Latin American Greetings: In many parts of Europe, particularly in Portugal, it is not common for people to greet each other with a kiss. A handshake, hug, or nod is more typical. This stark contrast to Messi’s Argentine habit presented an adjustment for Trincão.
• Overcoming Awkwardness: After the initial awkwardness, Trincão grew comfortable with Messi’s tradition. Over time, he understood that this practice wasn’t something personal or intimate but rather a cultural gesture that Messi had grown up with and was accustomed to.

Understanding Messi Beyond the Pitch

Trincão’s comments not only provide an interesting glimpse into the unique cultural exchanges that occur in professional football teams but also highlight the approachable and down-to-earth nature of Messi. Despite his immense fame and status, Messi’s habit of greeting teammates in such a warm and personal way reflects his humility and his efforts to make those around him feel comfortable.

Messi’s Impact on His Teammates:

• Leader by Example: Messi’s kindness and approachability off the pitch were qualities that many of his teammates admired. While some players may have initially been intimidated by his status, it became clear that Messi was just like any other person, as Trincão himself discovered.
• Building Team Chemistry: Small gestures, such as greeting teammates warmly, help build a sense of camaraderie and unity within the squad. For Trincão, Messi’s habit was just another way that the Argentine contributed to the team dynamic.

The Legacy of Messi at Barcelona

Although Trincão’s comments focus on the personal, cultural differences he encountered during his time at Barcelona, they also offer a glimpse into the unique atmosphere that Messi helped create within the club. His leadership style, both on and off the field, set the tone for younger players like Trincão, who had the opportunity to share the locker room with the Argentine legend.

Messi’s Lasting Influence:

• Impact on Younger Players: For Trincão and others, sharing the field with Messi wasn’t just about learning from his extraordinary skills but also understanding his approach to life, teamwork, and leadership.
• Cultural Exchange: Messi’s habit of greeting with kisses was just one of many ways that Trincão and other players from different backgrounds could experience and learn from the Argentine culture, forging stronger bonds within the team.

The Warmth Behind Messi’s Actions

Santiago Trincão’s revelation about his initial discomfort with Messi’s greeting habit is a reminder of the human side of professional football. While fans often see the players only in terms of their performances on the field, it is moments like these that showcase the personal dynamics and cultural exchanges that happen behind the scenes. Messi’s warm gestures, such as greeting with a kiss, may have felt strange to Trincão at first, but they ultimately helped him feel more at home within the Barcelona squad. For Trincão, Messi was not just a teammate, but also a person who made an effort to bring warmth and connection into the dressing room, making the experience of playing at Barcelona all the more memorable.