"I never thought I would hear myself say that" - When Lionel Messi revealed the Premier League club Barcelona players hated more than Real Madrid

From the moment a teenage Lionel Messi found his feet in senior football at Barcelona, they became one of Europe's best sides. The Blaugrana shared a historic rivalry with fellow Spanish giants Real Madrid but some of their players hated Chelsea more, Messi revealed years ago.

Chelsea came under the ownership of Roman Abramovich in 2003 and quickly became one of Europe's fast-rising sides. Only two years into the Abramovich era, they stunned Barcelona in the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, winning 4-2 despite a Ronaldinho goal that every football fan will remember.

Lionel Messi was not yet a mainstay in Frank Rijkaard's team at the time but featured when the two sides faced in the last 16 the following season. Ahead of the game in 2006, the then-18-year-old disclosed to News of the World that his teammates hated Chelsea and said:

"There are [Barcelona] players here who hate Chelsea more than Real Madrid. I never thought I would hear myself say that. I also never thought I would see something worse than the Boca and River Plate rivalry or Brazil vs Argentina - but this is.

"We would rather play Arsenal, Manchester United or anyone else than be on the pitch with Chelsea."

The 18-year-old featured for La Blaugrana as they eliminated Jose Mourinho's side, avenging their defeat from the previous season. They went on to win the title although Messi did not feature in the final against Arsenal due to injury.

Lionel Messi went on to have several more memorable meetings with Chelsea, including the Blues' elimination of Pep Guardiola's otherworldly side in the 2011-12 season. The forward failed to score against them until the 2018-19 season when his side faced the west London in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

Lionel Messi contract napkin auctioned for almost $1 million

The napkin which houses the first unofficial contract binding Lionel Messi to Barcelona has now been auctioned at Bonhams in London. The napkin, whose auction started at $380,000, has now been auctioned for over $964,000.

Messi had impressed on trial at Barcelona aged just 13 but had no offers from the club when his Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli met Barcelona executive Carles Rexach. He informed Rexach of their intention to offer the youngster to other clubs, including Real Madrid, prompting him to draft an impromptu agreement.

Messi ended up being arguably the most important signing in Barcelona's history, going on to captain the club. He also 474 goals in 520 appearances for the club, winning ten league titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns, as well as seven Ballon d'Or crowns.