Gianluigi Buffon recently shared a touching moment involving Lionel Messi from the 2015 Champions League final between Juventus and Barcelona at Olympiastadion Berlin. The legendary Italian goalkeeper, then 37 years old, felt particularly honored by an unexpected gesture from the Argentine superstar.
The match began with Barcelona taking an early lead through Ivan Rakitic, who scored in the fourth minute after receiving a pass from Andres Iniesta. Juventus managed to equalize through Alvaro Morata in the 55th minute, bringing hope to the Italian side.
However, Barcelona regained control when Luis Suarez capitalized on a rebound from Messi’s shot that Buffon had initially saved, making it 2-1 in the 68th minute. Neymar sealed the victory with Barcelona’s third goal in stoppage time, securing the club’s second treble.
A Memorable Jersey Exchange
In a recent interview with TuttoJuve, Buffon recalled the post-match moment that left an indelible impression on him. Messi approached him to request his jersey, a gesture that deeply moved the Italian keeper.
“When Leo asked for my shirt after the Berlin final, I felt immense pride. At 37, having a player of his caliber make such a request made me think, ‘Mamma mia, how beautiful this moment is!'” Buffon revealed.
The Italian goalkeeper further explained: “It was one of those rare occasions where I saw myself differently. We exchanged shirts, though at that moment we were dealing with the disappointment of defeat, not knowing we would have another opportunity in a final years later.”
Messi’s Champions League Legacy
The 2015 final would mark Messi’s last appearance in a Champions League final, but his legacy in the competition remains remarkable. The Argentine genius claimed the trophy four times with Barcelona:
• 2005-06 (2-1 vs Arsenal)
• 2008-09 (2-0 vs Manchester United)
• 2010-11 (3-1 vs Manchester United)
• 2014-15 (3-1 vs Juventus)
While Messi missed the 2006 final due to injury, he played crucial roles in the subsequent victories, scoring in both finals against Manchester United. His performance in the competition has consistently demonstrated why even legendary opponents like Buffon hold him in such high regard.
The mutual respect between these two football icons perfectly exemplifies the beautiful spirit of the sport, transcending rivalry and competition to create moments of genuine appreciation and admiration.
