Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Throwback to When Ivan Rakitic Teased Lionel Messi About a Trophy Argentina Legend Will Never Win

Following His Retirement, a Hilarious Moment Between Rakitic and Messi Resurfaces.

Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Ivan Rakitic has recently announced his retirement from professional football. Since the announcement, some of the most memorable moments from his illustrious career have surfaced. This includes a light-hearted joke he once shared with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.

The Croatian midfielder officially hung his boots, days after his contract with Hajduk Split ended on July 1. He left behind a legacy that has been packed with silverware, elite-level appearances, and memorable anecdotes. His former coach at Hajduk, Gonzalo García, confirmed his retirement.

🗣️ Ivan Rakitic: “I was speaking to Messi and I said: ‘you've won it all, you've scored all these goals, but I have won a trophy you’ll never have…you’ll never win the Europa League.’” 💀😂🏆 pic.twitter.com/8Kg9EoJxeh
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) July 26, 2024

He also credited Rakitic for playing a key role in his own appointment at the club. Rakitic had an emotional farewell and transitioned into a front-office role at Hajduk. Even so, fans are fondly recalling Rakitic’s humorous exchange with Messi in the past.

Ivan Rakitic: ‘I Have a Trophy You’ll Never Win’

In a 2021 interview with La Liga TV, Rakitic recalled a conversation with Messi during their Barcelona days. He recalled, “I was speaking to Messi and said, ‘You have won it all, have scored all these goals,’ but I told him, ‘I have won a trophy you’ll never have… You’ll never win the Europa League!’”

Also Read: Ivan Rakitic Announces Retirement: Barcelona and Croatia Legend Hangs Up His Boots

The joke stemmed from Rakitic’s 2013-14 season with Sevilla. That time, he captained the Spanish side to UEFA Europa League glory in a dramatic final against Benfica. Ironically, that was just before his move to Barcelona, where he would go on to win everything.

With the Catalan club, from La Liga to the Champions League, he won everything alongside Messi. Even only between his time between Sevilla and Barcelona, Rakitic made 633 appearances, scored 86 goals, and registered 105 assists across all competitions.

Also Read: Wojciech Szczesny Extends Barcelona Stay With New Two-Year Deal

He also played key roles in Croatia’s golden generation. Most notably, reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. Rakitic’s career haul includes a Swiss Cup, a German Cup, two Europa Leagues, a Champions League, a Club World Cup, four La Liga titles, and four Copa del Reys.

However, it’s that one Europa League medal, humorously pointed out, that separates him from Messi. He won the title again after leaving Barca and joining Sevilla in the 2022-23 season. However, leaving all that behind, Rakitic is now set to transition into an executive role at Hajduk Split.

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Europa League

Ivan Rakitic

Lionel Messi

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.