In the summer of 2021, Camp Nou witnessed a flurry of surprising transfer moves, culminating in the departure of the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient Messi, who left as a free agent to join Paris Saint-Germain. In the wake of Messi’s exit, Barcelona, facing financial constraints, brought in Dutch international De Jong on loan from Sevilla.
The acquisition of De Jong raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether he was intended to fill the void left by the departure of the all-time great from Catalunya. However, De Jong clarified to The Guardian that he was not signed as a direct replacement for Messi, acknowledging the impossibility of replacing such a legend. Rather, he emphasized his role as a target man and reflected on the peculiar experience of occupying Messi’s place in the dressing room, which he found gratifying.
Initially brought in by Ronald Koeman, De Jong witnessed the dismissal of his fellow countryman just weeks later. Despite facing challenges in securing regular playing time under Xavi, he managed to score seven goals in 29 appearances for Barcelona and cherishes the memories, particularly the support he received from fans at Camp Nou, where his name was chanted during pivotal moments.
Now back in the Netherlands with PSV, De Jong, at 33 years old, is enjoying a prolific spell, having netted 27 goals for the Eredivisie leaders this season. Despite his successful stint at PSV, he doesn’t dwell on what might have been at Camp Nou.
Luuk de Jong
Luuk de Jong
SwitzerlandThis season he played in total 10 times for 850 minutes for Champions League.
Luuk de Jong scored 8 goals for PSV. He procured two assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 1st in Champions League. In the last match PSV drew 1-1 against Borussia Dortmund.
PSV performance and stats
PSV
PSV is currently 2nd in the Champions League with 9 points.
In the last 11 games, it has won 5 times, drawn 5 times, and lost once. In its last match, PSV drawn 1-1 against Borussia Dortmund.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 8 goals and conceding 10.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini
ArgentinaThis season he played in total 6 times for 372 minutes for Major League Soccer.
Lionel Messi scored 1 goal for Inter Miami. He procured two assists. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 14th in Major League Soccer. In the last match Inter Miami drew 1-1 against Newell’s Old Boys.
Inter Miami performance and stats
Inter Miami
Inter Miami will play the next match in Major League Soccer against Real Salt Lake on Thursday 22nd of February in Fort Lauderdale. The prediction is Inter Miami winning the match.
FC Barcelona performance and stats
FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona is currently 1st in the Champions League with 12 points.
In the last 6 games, it has won 4 times and lost twice. In its last match, FC Barcelona lost 3-2 against Antwerp.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 12 goals and conceding 6.
FC Barcelona will play the next match in Champions League against Napoli on Wednesday 21st of February in Napoli. The prediction is FC Barcelona winning the match.
