Former Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto has finally spoken about one subject that continues to follow him everywhere.
The veteran keeper admitted that constant questions about Lionel Messi have started to bother him, insisting he wants to be remembered for his own story, not someone else’s.
Pinto, who spent six seasons at Barcelona between 2008 and 2014, became known as one of Messi’s closest friends during their time together at Camp Nou.
Years later, that connection still dominates his public appearances, interviews, and fan interactions. Now, the former goalkeeper wants people to understand that he had his own identity beyond being Messi’s teammate.
Pinto breaks his silence on relationship with Lionel Messi
In an interview with SoyFutbol, Pinto said, “It bothers me that people always ask me about Messi. I’d rather they ask about me.”
He added: “Many people approach me just to ask about Messi, and I don’t have to share anything. To me, he’s my friend. He talked to me a lot and felt comfortable.”
The comment revealed both admiration and exhaustion. Pinto made it clear that he values his friendship with Messi but dislikes how that relationship often overshadows his own career.
Since retiring, he has built a name in music and business, working as a producer under the stage name Pinto Wahin.
For him, the constant focus on Messi takes attention away from his post-football success and his years of work as a professional athlete. Pinto’s message was simple: he respects Messi but wants to be recognised for his own achievements.
Pinto’s Barcelona career alongside Lionel Messi
Pinto joined Barcelona from Celta Vigo in 2008 and served primarily as a backup to Víctor Valdes. Although he rarely featured in La Liga, he became a trusted figure in the dressing room and played regularly in Copa del Rey and cup competitions.
Pinto’s leadership, calm presence, and professionalism made him one of the most respected squad members under Pep Guardiola and later under Tito Vilanova and Gerardo Martino.
During his time with Barcelona, Pinto won six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, and two Copa del Rey titles. He was part of one of the most successful eras in football history, sharing the pitch with legends like Messi, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Gerard Pique.
Despite limited playing time, Pinto earned a strong reputation for unity and support, often credited by teammates for his influence off the pitch.
Pinto’s bond with Messi developed naturally through trust and mutual respect as he often defended Messi publicly and served as a bridge between the star player and the rest of the dressing room.
Their friendship continued after retirement, but Pinto’s latest comments show that he now prefers space from that constant association.
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