Former referee Cristobal Soria has recounted how his relationship with Lionel Messi began, revealing a surprising encounter at Barcelona’s stadium that led to an unexpected friendship.
Speaking on the podcast El After de Post United, hosted by Steve Calsada, Soria reflected on his time as a referee and Sevilla representative, as well as how he first connected with the Argentine star.
He explained that the incident happened outside the Barcelona dressing room at Camp Nou during a matchday, when a security misunderstanding briefly led to him being removed from the area by private security and Catalan police, before he was later allowed back in.
Soria said he was initially treated like an unwelcome guest until a phone call from Gerard Piqué changed everything, with the defender asking where he was and confirming he was expected.
Despite this, security still doubted his claim until a Barcelona staff member arrived and personally escorted him inside the stadium’s inner areas.
What followed, according to Soria, was an unforgettable moment in the dressing room where players were celebrating and joking around then singing where is CR7. It was there he finally came face-to-face with Messi.
He recalled showing deep respect by bowing and kneeling before the Argentine, before Messi responded with a hug in front of his teammates and surprised him by saying he was his fan.
Soria added humorously that he was stunned by the moment and has since maintained a friendly relationship with Messi, describing it as the beginning of mutual respect between them.
