<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>, Luis Suárez, and Neymar formed one of the greatest attacking trios in soccer history at FC Barcelona, but despite their dominance, they managed to win only one <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">UEFA Champions League</a> title together. Years later, a former Barca teammate who shared the pitch with them has revealed why the team didn’t capture more silverware.



With such a flawless attacking trio, Barcelona needed a strong backbone to maintain consistency over the years, and one of the key figures providing that stability was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ivan-rakitic/">Ivan Rakitić</a>. The Croatian midfielder, who recently announced his retirement, spent six seasons at the club and was part of the side that lifted the 2015 Champions League trophy.



Speaking on The Rest Is Football YouTube channel, Rakitić was asked what it was like to play alongside the MSN trio, and his answer was clear: “Just enjoy. Already bad passes are good passes. It was an attack that European football will never have again. They’re big players, and the ones that can do the difference, with this attack it was something really special.“



The former Barcelona midfielder then reflected on the team’s success, and the potential missed on it. “That’s why I like to say that we won a lot, but normally it could’ve been much more. It was a bit of a shame for us that we didn’t get even more titles,” Rakitic candidly stated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20251030_WST_600382_fc-barcelona-2016-1200x675_13224467.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="FC Barcelona&apos;s team in the 2015-16 season." class="wp-image-600418" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>FC Barcelona’s team in the 2015-16 season.</figcaption></figure>



When asked about what went wrong, Rakitić pointed to Neymar’s 2017 departure to Paris Saint-Germain as a turning point for the team: “I think, first of all, we had to do everything to push <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/">Neymar</a> to stay with us. That was the first step, and then finally just get in every game at 100%. I think at the highest level, if you just grow down a little bit, you’re in big problems.


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“Looking back a little bit I think it could’ve gone much better for us, but this is also the good part of football,” he added. he added. Rakitić also mentioned that a lack of readiness at key moments ended up being a key factor at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>, referencing their consecutive Champions League quarterfinal exits, against Atlético Madrid in 2016 and Juventus in 2017.



<h2>A team that grew ‘bored of winning’</h2>



With Neymar’s arrival in 2014, the iconic trio began to take shape. In just four seasons together, the three stars combined for 364 goals and 173 assists, helping Barcelona win nine trophies before Neymar’s move to PSG. Still, Rakitić believes that, over time, the team lost some of its edge.



Looking for an explanation behind their “failure,” the Croatian offered an honest assessment: “Maybe it’s not the right word, but we got a bit ‘bored of winning,’ or not being hungry at 100%. I think finally, finishing this six years in Barcelona, it’s hard to say ‘only one Champions League’, but I think it could’ve been two or three quite easily.”

Former Barcelona star on why Messi-Suárez-Neymar trio failed to win more than one Champions League

Former Barcelona star on why Messi-Suárez-Neymar trio failed to win more than one Champions League - World Soccer Talk

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Milan’s 1-0 win over Bologna was about more than just three points — it was about the beginning of a potential partnership that could shape the Rossoneri’s season. One man found the net to seal the win, but his arrival could have a much deeper impact on one of Milan’s brightest stars, Christian Pulisic.



San Siro was electric on Sunday night, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ac-milan/">Milan</a> delivered a narrow but crucial victory. The Rossoneri dominated the first half, hitting the woodwork twice through Pervis Estupinan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. But it took a moment of brilliance from&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luka-modric/">Luka Modric</a>, the legendary Croatian midfielder, to separate the two sides.



On the hour mark, Modric timed his run perfectly, latching onto an Alexis Saelemaekers pass and finishing past the Bologna goalkeeper with trademark precision. It was&nbsp;Modric’s first-ever Serie A goal&nbsp;— and a sign that, even at 40 years old, he still has the magic touch. As a result, another story began unfolding — one that could have long-term implications for the Rossoneri. The summer arrival of Luka Modric not only brought one of the most decorated midfielders in soccer history to Italy but also created a unique connection inside the team’s dressing room.



Christian Pulisic, the club’s American star, has&nbsp;deep Croatian roots. His grandparents were born on the island of Olib near Zadar, and Pulisic holds a Croatian passport — a factor that allowed him to join Borussia Dortmund’s academy before turning 18, as he didn’t need a work permit.



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Il Maestro Modrić trova il primo gol Rossonero! | AC Milan 1-0 Bologna | Serie A Highlights 2025/26" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FIsR5WzxtFk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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When Modric moved to the San Siro, the two quickly bonded. A video posted on the club’s social media showed the veteran asking Pulisic in jest if he spoke Croatian. The USMNT captain laughed and replied:&nbsp;“Only the passport is Croatian.” This light-hearted exchange may be the start of something meaningful for the 26-year-old.



<h2>How Modric can help Pulisic</h2>



Former Barcelona and Croatia star&nbsp;Ivan Rakitic&nbsp;believes Pulisic could not ask for a better mentor. Speaking on CBS Sports’&nbsp;Call It What You Want&nbsp;podcast, Rakitic offered advice: “I think, first of all, Pulisic has to learn a bit more Croatian. First step. And then I think there are some players, during their career, as is possibly [the case with] Luka, they are different. But why are they different? Because they are able to get the control of a team or of some guys, to give them something special where they really can improve their game.”



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Luka Modric and Christian Pulisic linking up for the same team is so tough ❤️ What a time to be alive 🇺🇸🇭🇷 <a href="https://t.co/QgMXIyXR7I">pic.twitter.com/QgMXIyXR7I</a>— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) <a href="https://twitter.com/usmntonly/status/1963681965867258281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



He went further, stressing that Pulisic should watch Modric closely both on and off the pitch: “He has to try to learn from Luka, but not only on the pitch and during the training sessions. When they are on the way, how he really is dealing with PR, all these parts are important. This was maybe something similar when I was with Xavi in Barca… you can learn many things — what it really is to be a player on the highest level.”

Special Croatian bond? How Luka Modric’s mentorship could transform Christian Pulisic’s Milan journey

Special Croatian bond? How Luka Modric’s mentorship could transform Christian Pulisic’s Milan journey - World Soccer Talk

Ivan Rakitic, ex Barcelona’s Messi teammate, and one of Croatia’s most talented midfielders, has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer. Hajduk Split’s head coach Gonzalo García confirmed the news in an interview with Nova TV, stating: “Rakitic has ended his career,” finally putting an end to weeks of speculation following the expiration of his contract with the club on July 1. García also credited the veteran midfielder for playing a key role in his arrival at Hajduk: “He’s one of the reasons I’m at the club today.”



The first signs of Rakitic’s farewell came on May 19 during the match against Rijeka. After the final whistle, he remained on the bench alone, visibly emotional. Rakitic—who left a lasting legacy in Spanish soccer with 633 appearances, 86 goals, and 105 assists between Sevilla and Barcelona—was quick to deny retirement rumors at the time: “Thanks for your messages. Emotions are part of football, but I haven’t made any decision or official announcement.”



Although he didn’t win the league title that Hajduk Split so desperately wanted, Rakitic still made an impact in his first season back home, logging 39 matches, 2 goals, and 5 assists. Despite growing up in Switzerland and developing at FC Basel, the midfielder’s return to his homeland resonated deeply with fans. His contract included an option to extend for another season, but both parties ultimately opted for a different path.



Rakitic, however, isn’t stepping away from the game entirely. He will now take on a new role in Hajduk’s front office, working alongside Goran Vucevic in the club’s sporting department. “He’s smart, has great ideas, and understands the game well,” García said. “But it’s a tough moment for him—transitioning from cleats to a suit is never easy.” His international prestige and experience will now be put to use off the pitch.



Rakitic’s career was filled with silverware, including a Swiss Cup, a German Cup, two UEFA Europa League titles, one UEFA Champions League title, one FIFA Club World Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, two Spanish Super Cups, and two Catalan Super Cups. Notably, he played alongside Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona from 2014 to 2020, forming part of one of the most dominant squads of the modern era.

Barcelona legend and ex-Messi teammate announces retirement from world soccer

Barcelona legend and ex-Messi teammate announces retirement from world soccer - World Soccer Talk

Lionel Messi wasn’t a fantastic captain, according to Al-Shabab midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who played with him at Barcelona.



From 2018 to 2021, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-needs-messi-to-renew-contract-to-boost-mls-season-pass-20240306-WST-493433.html">Lionel Messi</a> led Barcelona, taking home the La Liga trophy in 2019. During the team’s transition from Andres Iniesta to himself, the Argentinian took over as captain. He would remain with the club until 2021 when he left for Paris Saint-Germain.



Even though Messi had an amazing career with the Blraugrana overall, his prize haul as captain was not that impressive. Unfortunately, it included some notorious losses in the UEFA Champions League.



<h2>What did Rakitic say about Messi’s leadership during time with Barca?</h2>



Together, the Argentine and the Croat four league championships, with three different leaders at the helm. When 2020 rolled around, Rakitic was back at Sevilla. In recent comments, the former Croatian international has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wZhAeD8XrM&amp;ab_channel=Mics%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%83%D8%B3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropped hints</a> that Messi’s communication may have been better.



“I don’t have to explain to Messi how to play. I have to know where to put myself in attack so that I have a more advantageous situation. He doesn’t have to defend, that’s my job.



“He could be the best left back in the world if he wanted.” On the other hand, Rakitic said that the Argentine wasn’t the “best captain to tell you what you had to do, because he was unique, different. We lost the Champions in 2018 and 2019 ourselves.



“Of course, the rivals deserved it, but I think we didn’t try hard enough. We may have gotten tired of winning. When you earn so much, you lose focus and don’t pay attention to detail, and then they kill you.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240427_WST_503935_imago1000748376h-1200x800_f01636fb.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-504012" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/imago1000748376h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/imago1000748376h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/imago1000748376h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/imago1000748376h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/imago1000748376h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Rakitic and Messi were rivals more often than they were teammates</figcaption></figure>



But then, he proclaimed the forward to be “the best” player he has ever had the pleasure of playing with.



“In games, it’s different, but when you work with him day-by-day, you can really tell just how good he is, because how he receives the ball and how he already knows what’s going on behind him, his movements, it’s so easy, his finishing, he makes it look so easy. It’s not like he’s even shooting, it’s like he’s passing it into the goal.”



<h2>Pair could have still been teammates</h2>



Both players have subsequently departed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/who-represents-barcelonas-values-better-xavi-or-enrique/">Barcelona</a>, with Messi joining Ligue 1 powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. After winning the World Cup, the superstar took over as captain of MLS team Inter Miami the next season.



Along the same lines, Rakitic went back to his old club Sevilla after leaving Camp Nou. That is, until he joined Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, one of several players in their latter years to take a lucrative offer.



But the 36-year-old may have been considering a move to Inter Miami prior to that, according to previous reports. His former Barca colleagues including Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are all thriving in Florida.



It would have been fitting for Rakitic to complete his playing career with Inter Miami, where he could have reunited with Messi and other Barcelona greats; also, the seasoned playmaker would have flourished in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-mls-on-us-tv-and-internet/">MLS</a> among his prior American colleagues.



Photo credits: IMAGO / Cordon Press/Miguelez Sports : IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

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Former Barca star Ivan Rakitic has spoken about Lionel Messi's leadership during his time with the Catalan club

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