As an Atleti Fan, My Complex Feelings About Messi
Honestly, as a devoted Atleti supporter who has watched matches at the Wanda Metropolitano for over a decade, discussing Messi always stirs mixed emotions. The relationship between us Colchoneros and Barcelona is already complicated, let alone when facing this Argentine genius.
The Undeniable Football Artistry
Though I wear the red and white striped jersey, I must admit Messi is truly one of the greatest players in football history. That header in the 2009 Champions League final, that free-kick winner against us in the 2015-16 season—every replay still pains me, yet I can’t help but admire his technique. In Madrid’s bars, even the most hardcore Atleti fans gasp when witnessing Messi’s brilliant goals.
Our Position in La Liga’s Competitive Landscape
Our attitude toward Messi as Atleti fans differs completely from Real Madrid supporters. Real Madrid are the arch-rivals—they hate Messi because of direct El Clásico confrontations. But for us, Messi’s Barcelona represents the greatest obstacle blocking our path to championships. Simeone led our team to clinch the La Liga title in the 2013-14 season, but in the following years, Messi’s Barcelona once again dominated the league.
| Season | La Liga Champion | Atleti Position |
|---|
| 2013-14 | Atlético Madrid | 1 |
| 2014-15 | Barcelona | 3 |
| 2015-16 | Barcelona | 3 |
| 2020-21 | Atlético Madrid | 1 |
Feelings After Messi’s Departure
When Messi left Barcelona for Paris in 2021, I saw various reactions in Madrid’s fan groups. Some happily said we’re finally free, but more Real Madrid fan gathering spots people, including Real Madrid fans, actually felt somewhat lost. La Liga without Messi indeed dropped a level in competitiveness. Although we won the championship that season, it felt like something was missing.
As the owner of that sports bar in the Chamberí district I frequent always says: “We hate Messi because he’s too strong, but it’s precisely because of him that every one of our victories means so much more.” As 海马叔 Atleti fans, we’re accustomed to fighting against adversity—Messi was that mountain we always sought to climb.
Rational Reflection on Fan Culture
Looking back now, I believe true fans should learn to appreciate greatness. I’ll still cheer for Atleti in derby matches, still debate with Barcelona fans on social media, but that doesn’t prevent me from acknowledging Messi as a legend. Football’s charm lies in competition, in those opponents you love and hate simultaneously.
The spirit of us Colchoneros is never giving up, standing tall before formidable opponents. Messi gave us such an opponent, making each of our victories even more precious. Now that he’s playing in America, I occasionally turn on the TV to watch—that number 10 who broke our hearts countless times truly deserves respect.
