Alexia Putellas has lived a football journey that once seemed impossible to the teenager that met Lionel Messi at Barcelona 14 years ago.
The Barcelona legend went from an 18-year-old fan asking Lionel Messi for a photo at the club’s training facilities when she first joined, to sharing the spotlight with him years later as two global icons of the game.
Speaking as part of Lay's World Cup campaign, Putellas reflected on her “crazy life” in football, her memories of meeting Messi, and why seeing him lift the World Cup was a special moment for any fan of the sport.
Alexia Putellas's 'crazy life' and Lionel Messi crossover
“I remember my first year at Barcelona - I was 18," Putellas said. "I was working in the afternoon at the training facilities and he was there.
“I asked him for a photo and it was a big moment for me because I was new at the club - he was so nice.
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“After a number of years, we met again in a commercial - so it's a crazy life now but I'm so happy and I always wish him the best because he's really good - the best player - but he’s a really good person too.”
The pair’s reunion this year comes through Lay’s latest World Cup campaign, with Putellas joining Messi, Thierry Henry, David Beckham in the No Lay’s No Game Most Epic Watch Party - bringing together legendary players from around the world.
For Putellas, the campaign stands out because of its connection with fans and how she is able to participate with players she grew up admiring.
“All the commercials of Lays are special,” she said. “I've been lucky to be in them with some legends who I admired when I was young and it’s so special because you are connecting with fans.
“I never imagined that everything that has happened could be possible so I just try to enjoy every day. To have this experience with Leo and the other players is something incredible that I will always remember.”
The Spain star also shared her admiration for Messi’s World Cup triumph, admitting that football fans everywhere could appreciate the significance of his victory, as he lifted the trophy with Argentina in 2018.
“If you love football, you love that Messi has won at least one World Cup.”
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after 18 years with the club, while Putellas announced last month she is leaving Barcelona - both legends of the club.
In her 14 years, Putellas won 4 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and 10 Liga F domestic league titles, as well as two Ballon d'ors.
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after 18 years with the club, while Putellas announced last month that she is leaving after 14 years - two of the biggest legends in the club’s history.
During her time at Barca, Putellas won four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and 10 Liga F domestic league titles, as well as claiming two Ballon d’Or awards.
The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to London City Lionesses as she closes the door on her historic Barcelona chapter.
"Of course we've been lucky because we have been part of an epic team," Putellas added, about her time at Barcelona.
"Not just with Aitana [Bonmati], but for me it was a pleasure to be part of this Barca era and of course being the captain.
"Being a player for 14 seasons at my childhood club, it was a perfect history for me."
