Lionel Messi’s best friends are mostly people who have played alongside him in various football teams.
Some notable ones include Luis Suarez, Neymar Jr, and Dani Alves, just to mention a few. From observation, Messi prefers meaningful relations with his teammates as the connection transfers onto the pitch, improving their performance.
However, not all of Messi’s close friends are his teammates. Stick around and find out all about Messi’s inner circle.
1. Luis Suarez
- Profession: Footballer
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Spouse: Sofia Balbi
Messi and Luis Suarez met when they were both signed by Barcelona. After a couple of games, the two formed a powerful union on and off the pitch.
Based on Messi’s social media, the two best friends often vacation with their wives every time they are off-season.
Part of the reason they are very close friends is that they live in the same neighbourhood, Castelldefels, and their kids are in the same school and enrolled in similar after-school programs.
Sadly, Messi and Luis ceased being teammates when Barcelona sold Luis to their rivals- Atletico Madrid. That caused a rift between Messi and the club officials, so he took to social media to express his dissatisfaction.
However, the two still hang out with each other often, and Luis even had the honour of presenting the 7th Balloon d’Or trophy to Messi.
2. Sergio Aguero
- Profession: Footballer
- Nationality: Argentine
- Spouse: Giannina Maradona
When Sergio Aguero released his biography ‘Life of Aguero, he detailed his friendship with Messi stating that they were more than just close friends as they considered themselves brothers.
Messi and Aguero met in the early 2000s when they were both at Camp Argentina. Together, they went on to win the Olympic gold medal in 2008, among other awards.
Since Messi was soon transferred to Barcelona, the two haven’t had the pleasure of being teammates.
Given that it’s public knowledge that Messi and Sergio are close friends, Barcelona tried replacing Luis Suarez with Sergio to try and convince Messi to play for Barcelona for another season, but the plan didn’t pan through.
As of now, Sergio Aguero had to take a break from football following a heart condition. After the sad announcement, Messi took to social media and penned a heartfelt tribute to his long-time friend.
3. Diego Vallejos
- Profession: Footballer
- Nationality: Chilean
- Spouse: Virginia Vallejos
One of Messi’s closest childhood friends is Diego Vallejos. The two were raised in the same neighbourhood in Northern Argentine and have managed to maintain their friendship since then.
When Diego was interviewed ahead of Messi’s wedding to Antonella, he explained how much Messi meant to him, considering he was chosen to be a part of the bridal party.
Apparently, the two learned to ride a bike together, practised their football skills at the same place, and even threw water balloons at moving vehicles in classic naughty children’s fashion.
Diego now plays for Independiente de Cauquenes and stays in their hometown. Whenever Messi goes back home to visit, he is often photographed with Diego as they catch up.
4. Neymar Jr
- Profession: Footballer
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Girlfriend: Bruna Biancardi
Neymar Jr and Messi are two of the most remarkable football players, so it’s easy to see why they share a close friendship on and off the pitch.
According to Neymar, he met Messi in 2013 after the Catalans signed him. Out of all the other players, Messi took his time to ensure he felt comfortable and learned how to coordinate with the other players.
Rumours have it that Messi urged Barcelona to sign back Neymar after he departed to PSG following one of the most expensive football transfers in history.
However, that never happened, and instead, Neymar managed to convince Messi to sign with PSG. Therefore, the two are reunited and have been seen hanging out more often.
5. Cesc Fàbregas
- Profession: Fotballer
- Nationality: Spanish
- Spouse: Daniella Semaan
Cesc Fàbregas and Messi’s friendship is arguably one of his strongest, as the two have been mates for years.
As per reports, Messi and Cesc met back when they were students at La Masia Academy. From there, Cesc signed with Arsenal while Messi to Barcelona.
Even when they weren’t playing for the same team, Messi would be photographed partying with Cesc every time he visited London, and Cesc would do the same when he went to Spain.
Luckily, Cesc Fàbregas soon moved to Barcelona; hence he and his close friend got to share the pitch and win several titles until they were split again.
As of now, Messi, Cesc, and Luis often take yacht trips in Formentera with their families to wind down when they are all off-season. For that reason, it is safe to say they are still close acquaintances.
6. Dani Alves
- Profession: Footballer
- Nationality: South American
- Spouse: Joana Sanz
Messi hardly speaks about his relationships with his friends; however, he has been very vocal about his friendship with Dani Alves.
In an interview, Messi reported that his best friend when he returns to Camp Nou’s changing rooms is Dani. His reasons were that Dani understood him and also his playing style. Therefore, he makes a good teammate and confidante.
Dani and Messi played for Barcelona for almost 10 years. During that time, they went on to win three champion league titles and over 20 trophies.
Dani plays for Sao Paulo in Brazil, and Messi for PSG. However, the two are still very close and have been photographed together at sports recovery centres.
7. Ronaldinho
- Profession: Retired footballer
- Nationality: Brazilian
Although Messi is one of the most talented players, he maintains that Ronaldinho is one of his icons.
The two played together in Barcelona for about five years, and Messi says that Ronaldinho took him under his wing and taught him a lot during that time.
The two formed a close friendship during the aforementioned period, and Messi says that even though Ronaldinho is retired, he still goes to him for advice.
