Lionel Messi laughs off Real Madrid fans’ Santiago Bernabeu insult

Edu Garcia, director of Spanish radio station Radio Estadio, has recalled Lionel Messi’s reaction after telling the Inter Miami captain about a hostile chant aimed at him by Real Madrid supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Garcia shared the story while discussing Messi’s career and achievements on his programme Mas de Uno, following the Argentine’s recognition with the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports.

The radio director praised Messi’s historic contributions on the pitch, his charitable work and his relationship with the media, as well as the qualities that have made him one of football’s most prominent figures.

Messi asks what Madrid fans say about him

Garcia said the incident took place during a Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

At the time, radio stations were involved in a dispute with La Liga, led by Javier Tebas, over access to stadiums. As a result, members of Garcia’s radio team had to disguise themselves and work from among the spectators.

During the match, one of the broadcasters’ microphones picked up a Real Madrid fan shouting an insult at Messi. The supporter used the word “hormone”, referring to the hormone treatment Messi underwent during his childhood.

Garcia later met Messi at an exhibition in Barcelona, where he was helping the player present a new football boot. During their conversation, Messi asked him about the way he was perceived in the Spanish capital.

“Tell me the truth, what do they say about me in Madrid?” Messi said.

Garcia then told him about the chant heard at the Santiago Bernabeu and the reference to his childhood treatment.

Rather than reacting angrily, Messi burst out laughing. Garcia said the response showed the player’s ability to deal with the incident through humour and irony.

Praise for Messi’s career

Garcia also reflected on the scale of Messi’s achievements, highlighting Argentina’s World Cup victory as a defining moment in the forward’s career.

He said Messi’s charitable efforts had become increasingly prominent over the years, adding to his impact beyond football.

The radio director also praised Messi’s personality, describing him as calm and reserved, with a preference for expressing himself through his football rather than through frequent public comments.

That quiet approach, Garcia said, has made Messi’s media appearances especially significant whenever they do take place.