Iniesta’s Farewell to El Clasico: An Emotional Exchange with Messi and Zidane’s Admirable Words
One of the most poignant moments in Andres Iniesta’s Barcelona journey unfolded during his last El Clasico on May 6, 2018. Substituted off in the 57th minute, Iniesta handed the captain’s armband to Lionel Messi, sharing a heartfelt hug and whispering something in his ear, later revealed by ESPN.
According to the analysis of the footage, Iniesta’s words to Messi were reportedly, “Here Leo, I love you so much.”
Post-game, Real Madrid’s coach, Zinedine Zidane, reflected on Iniesta’s departure, stating, “It is difficult because if you like football, seeing a player like him leave is tough. I don’t think of him as a Barcelona player. I’ve come across him two or three times, and he is a charming, very reserved man, and I like players who can do everything on the field but are that calm off it. I only have good words for him, admiration for his football, and I wish him the best as a player for the future but above all, as a person.” The article encapsulates the emotional farewell between Iniesta and Messi, alongside Zidane’s respectful acknowledgment of the football maestro.
