The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona goes beyond just being two of the biggest football clubs in the world. It’s a rivalry that is fueled by passion, history, and most importantly, players. One player that has been at the center of this rivalry for over a decade now is Lionel Messi.
Messi, who has spent his entire career at Barcelona, has faced Real Madrid countless times in El Clasico matches. While he is often the Target of rough tackles and boos from opposing fans, one question that often comes up is whether Real Madrid fans respect Messi as a player.
The Respect Factor
Respect is an integral part of football culture. It’s important for players to show respect to their opponents, referees, and fans. Similarly, fans are also expected to show respect towards players on both sides of the field.
In the case of Messi and Real Madrid fans, there have been moments where respect has been shown. For example, when Messi scored a hat-trick against Real Madrid in 2014 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, he received a standing ovation from some sections of the crowd.
Similarly, when Messi scored a stunning solo goal against Real Madrid in 2011 at the same stadium, even some Real Madrid fans applauded him.
The Booing and Jeering
However, there have also been instances where Messi has been booed and jeered by Real Madrid fans. This is often seen as a sign of disrespect towards one of the greatest players to ever grace the football pitch.
For example, during an El Clasico match in 2017 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Messi was subjected to chants of “Cristiano! Cristiano!”
by some sections of the crowd. This was seen as an attempt to undermine Messi’s achievements and elevate their own player – Cristiano Ronaldo – above him.
Similarly, during a Copa Del Rey match in 2019 at the same stadium, Messi was booed by some Real Madrid fans when he picked up the ball to take a penalty. This was seen as an attempt to put him off his game and disrupt his focus.
- The Impact of Rivalry
It’s important to understand that the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is intense. It’s not just a rivalry between two football clubs, but it’s also a socio-political rivalry that goes beyond sport.
This means that fans often get caught up in the moment and forget about respect towards their opponents. While this doesn’t excuse disrespectful behavior, it does provide some context as to why some Real Madrid fans may not show Messi the respect he deserves.
The Bottom Line
So, do Real Madrid fans respect Messi? The answer is not a straightforward one. While there have been moments where Messi has been shown respect by Real Madrid fans, there have also been instances where he has been booed and jeered.
Ultimately, it’s important for fans to remember that football is just a game. While rivalries are exciting and add to the drama of the sport, they should never overshadow respect towards players on both sides of the field.
As for Messi, regardless of whether he receives respect from Real Madrid fans or not, his legacy in football is secure. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport – and that in itself is something worthy of respect.