Former Barcelona winger reveals how Lionel Messi tried to stop his 2019 departure: ‘He came to me and said…’

Former Barcelona winger reveals how Lionel Messi tried to stop his 2019 departure: ‘He came to me and said…’ Lionel Messi personally tried to convince Malcom to remain at Barcelona before the Brazilian winger completed his move to Zenit St. Petersburg in August 2019, according to a revelation from the former Blaugrana forward.  In comments reported by SPORT , Malcom recalled how the Argentine captain believed he had a bright future at the club, even though he was struggling to establish himself under Ernesto Valverde. In 2019, although Barcelona accepted Zenit’s offer, Messi apparently saw qualities in the young forward that could have made him an important part of the team’s future. Messi believed Malcom had a future at Barcelona Malcom, who joined Barcelona from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux in 2018, spoke warmly about his only season alongside Messi and the support he received from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “I always tell my friends that I played alongside Messi for a whole year. It was an incredible experience. He always treated me wonderfully,” explained the Brazilian. The most significant conversation took place when Malcom was preparing to leave for Russia. “When I was about to leave for Russia, Messi came to speak to me and said: ‘You’re a player with a brilliant future ahead of you and you’ll become a great footballer’,” revealed the former Barcelona winger. Malcom says Messi asked him not to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The Argentine then made his preference clear. “He asked me to stay. He said: ‘Stay here, you’re one of Barça’s players for the future’,” added the Brazilian. What convinced Malcom to leave Barcelona Despite Messi’s encouragement, Malcom felt that remaining at Barcelona would limit his opportunities to develop.  Competition for attacking positions was intense, and regular football became his priority. “I was young and wanted to play matches, gain experience and show my potential. I wanted to prove what I was capable of on the pitch,” he explained. He has since questioned whether leaving was the right decision. “Perhaps I didn’t make the right decision, but I was looking to play regularly, and that’s why I chose to go to Russia,” he admitted. Malcom left Barcelona after just one season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) Barcelona officially confirmed his transfer to Zenit in August 2019 for €40 million plus €5 million in variables, and the winger left with 24 appearances, scoring four goals during the 2018-19 campaign. Messi also trusted him for the Clasico Malcom’s memories of Messi were not limited to their conversations about his future.  He also recalled the Argentine encouraging him before the 2019 Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid, in which the Brazilian scored Barcelona’s equaliser in the first leg. “I remember that before the Clasico against Real Madrid he said to me: ‘We’re counting on you. Get ready because you’re going to play’ . “He was always there to encourage me, motivate me and give me confidence, even when I was tired or had to compete with other players for a spot,” he added. He finished by acknowledging the influence Messi had on his development, stating,  “I learnt so much from Messi. He always spoke to me, cheered me on and helped me. It was an extraordinary season that I’ll never forget.”