Munir El Haddadi was once regarded as one of the brightest young prospects to emerge from Barcelona’s academy.
His early breakthrough generated significant excitement, with many believing he could establish himself as a key figure in the first team.
However, as has been the case with several promising talents, his journey at the club did not fully match the expectations that surrounded him.
Despite that, Munir’s time at Barcelona left him with memories that go far beyond performances on the pitch.
Looking back in time
Reflecting on his early days in the senior squad, the forward has shared a light-hearted but unforgettable story involving some of the biggest names in world football.
At the time, Munir had just been promoted and was stepping into a dressing room filled with global superstars, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar.
As a teenager, he was still adapting to the environment, learning the unspoken rules that come with being part of such an elite setup.
One particular moment stood out during an early training camp. Upon arriving at the hotel, Munir found himself unsure about where to sit among his senior teammates.
Munir El Haddadi has shared a funny incident with Lionel Messi. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Seeking guidance, he turned to others in the group, only to be unknowingly set up for a classic dressing room prank.
He told DAZN, “They told me: ‘Over there, over there, there’s no one there,’” believing it to be an empty spot.
Unaware of the situation, he took the seat, only to realise moments later that it belonged to none other than Messi himself.
The Argentine approached and stood silently, creating an awkward yet memorable moment.
Munir described the experience vividly, saying, “Just imagine… at 18, sitting in your seat, and Leo comes over and stares at you.”
It did not take long for him to realise what had happened. The young forward quickly stood up, while the rest of the squad enjoyed the scene.
Reflecting on that moment, he admitted thinking, “They’ve played a trick on me, I can’t believe it,” as he became the centre of a light-hearted initiation into the team.
