Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAlexia Putellas has lived a football journey that once seemed impossible to the teenager that met Lionel Messi at Barcelona 14 years ago.The Barcelona legend went from an 18-year-old fan asking Lionel Messi for a photo at the clubs training facilities when she first joined, to sharing the spotlight with him years later as two global icons of the game.Speaking as part of Lay's World Cup campaign, Putellas reflected on her crazy life in football, her memories of meeting Messi, and why seeing him lift the World Cup was a special moment for any fan of the sport.Alexia Putellas's 'crazy life' and Lionel Messi crossoverI remember my first year at Barcelona - I was 18," Putellas said. "I was working in the afternoon at the training facilities and he was there.I asked him for a photo and it was a big moment for me because I was new at the club - he was so nice. You may like From Barcelona to Bromley... Is Alexia Putellas going to London City Lionesses? Alexia Putellas '100% confident' Spain can win World Cup despite Cape Verde setback Football Focus presenter Alex Scott exclusive: 'Those celebrations were fun - because Arsenal had a little surprise concert from my partner, who they forced to get up on stage' Champions League winner shares tales of Jess Glynne party PLAY our FREE World Cup scores predictor to win �1k!After a number of years, we met again in a commercial - so it's a crazy life now but I'm so happy and I always wish him the best because he's really good - the best player - but hes a really good person too.The pairs reunion this year comes through Lays latest World Cup campaign, with Putellas joining Messi, Thierry Henry, David Beckham in the No Lays No Game Most Epic Watch Party - bringing together legendary players from around the world.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.For Putellas, the campaign stands out because of its connection with fans and how she is able to participate with players she grew up admiring.All the commercials of Lays are special, she said. I've been lucky to be in them with some legends who I admired when I was young and its so special because you are connecting with fans.I never imagined that everything that has happened could be possible so I just try to enjoy every day. To have this experience with Leo and the other players is something incredible that I will always remember. What to read next Lionel Messi didnt need the World Cup to be among the greatest of all time, but he deserved it. He brought glory to Argentina Javier Zanetti on how Messi created history in 2022 With Lionel Messi, Argentina will be a major contender again for this World Cup. He knows better than anyone what the team needs Javier Zanetti assesses Argentinas chances this summer How to watch Lionel Messi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup The Spain star also shared her admiration for Messis World Cup triumph, admitting that football fans everywhere could appreciate the significance of his victory, as he lifted the trophy with Argentina in 2018.If you love football, you love that Messi has won at least one World Cup.Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after 18 years with the club, while Putellas announced last month she is leaving Barcelona - both legends of the club.In her 14 years, Putellas won 4 UEFA Womens Champions League titles and 10 Liga F domestic league titles, as well as two Ballon d'ors.Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after 18 years with the club, while Putellas announced last month that she is leaving after 14 years - two of the biggest legends in the clubs history.During her time at Barca, Putellas won four UEFA Womens Champions League titles and 10 Liga F domestic league titles, as well as claiming two Ballon dOr awards.The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to London City Lionesses as she closes the door on her historic Barcelona chapter."Of course we've been lucky because we have been part of an epic team," Putellas added, about her time at Barcelona."Not just with Aitana [Bonmati], but for me it was a pleasure to be part of this Barca era and of course being the captain."Being a player for 14 seasons at my childhood club, it was a perfect history for me."TOPICSLionel MessiAlexia PutellasAyisha GulatiWomen's Football WriterAyisha Gulati is the women's football writer at FourFourTwo. Fresh from a summer covering the Lionesses triumphant Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, she brings a passion for all things WSL, UWCL, and international womens football. She has interviewed names including Alessia Russo and Aitana Bonmati and enjoys telling stories that capture the excitement on and off the pitch.
