Ghanaian player Kevin-Prince Boateng revealed new details about his sudden transfer to FC Barcelona in January 2019 during an interview. He explained that the short and unexpected deal was contingent upon the approval of the team captain at the time, Lionel Messi.

Boateng was a player at Sassuolo before joining Barcelona on loan to urgently strengthen the attacking line. He confirmed that the club’s management, led by Eric Abidal, the sporting department, Josep Maria Bartomeu, and Ernesto Valverde, all approved his signing, but the final decision was solely up to Messi.

Boateng said: "I could have signed for Barcelona, but if Messi said no, the deal wouldn't happen."

He added: "I realized then that any step, even if small, was a stamp through the leader."

He confirmed: "Abidal wanted me at Barcelona, the other sporting director wanted me, and so did the president and the coach, but they told me that Messi had to be asked first."

He said: "I spent that night waiting for just one answer. If he had said no, I wouldn't have signed with Barcelona."

He continued: He had that authority, and I went to sleep hoping that he would like my transfer.

Messi's approval finally came through, allowing Boateng to join Barcelona, but he did not leave a clear mark, as he only participated in five official matches without scoring any goals. Since his departure, the former player has appeared in several interviews discussing his experience with the club, including a controversial statement in which he said: "When I arrived at Barcelona, I had to say that Messi was the best in the world. I lied—I love Cristiano Ronaldo. I was a Madrid fan, but they told me never to mention that because I wouldn't be able to play otherwise."