How Chelsea forced Messi into tears in the dressing room

Even the greatest in the game have their moments of vulnerability, and for Lionel Messi, one of those moments came in 2012 after a devastating Champions League exit to Chelsea.

Known for his composure on the pitch, Messi couldn’t hold back his emotions behind closed doors, according to former teammate Alexis Sanchez. The football legend, who has seen more triumphs than most players dream of, was left heartbroken after Barcelona’s intense semi-final clash with Chelsea.

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With a Champions League final in sight, Messi missed a crucial penalty that hit the crossbar, a pivotal moment in the match that allowed a ten-man Chelsea to advance.

The match ended 3-2 on aggregate, leaving Messi grappling with the crushing realization that his 91-goal year wouldn’t be crowned with European glory. His tearful response in the dressing room was a rare glimpse into the intense self-pressure he felt to succeed.

“I saw Leo cry in the dressing room,” Sanchez revealed years later, offering fans a look at the relentless demands Messi places on himself.

For the man who has since become an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, that missed penalty and defeat are a reminder that even football’s biggest stars are human.