Spanish left-back Juan Bernat has seen football from the inside of some of Europe's most decorated dressing rooms. From Bayern Munich alongside Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry to Paris Saint-Germain with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, Bernat has shared pitches with generational talents. Yet in a recent interview, he made it clear that no one compares to Lionel Messi—not even in training, where the Argentine's magic becomes even more evident.
Messi's daily brilliance in small-sided games
Bernat, who spent time with Messi at PSG, explained that the Argentine's genius is most visible during the rondos and small-sided matches that are a staple of elite training. "In official matches, you see flashes," Bernat said. "But in training, where he touches the ball constantly, you witness things that leave you speechless. He does things that seem impossible, and he does them every single day."
For Bernat, this daily exposure reinforced what he already believed: Messi is the greatest of all time. "We will never see another player like him," he added. "What he does with the ball, his vision, his ability to decide a game in an instant—it's not something you can replicate."
This perspective is shared by many who have trained with the Rosario native, and it adds another layer to the ongoing debate about Argentina's future without Messi's number 10.
Choosing Eibar over lucrative offers
After a difficult period marked by two surgeries for pubalgia, Bernat made a decision that surprised many in the football world. Instead of accepting more financially generous offers from abroad, he chose to return to Spain and sign with Eibar, a club fighting for promotion to LaLiga.
"I wanted to enjoy football again," Bernat explained. "I've earned a lot in my career, but at this point, passion matters more. I want to help Eibar reach the top flight, and I'd trade some of my 18 trophies for that promotion."
His decision reflects a grounded mindset that has defined his career. Having played under coaches like Pep Guardiola, whom he calls "the best in history," Bernat learned early that success is about more than money.
Guardiola's influence and future plans
Bernat's time under Guardiola at Bayern Munich was formative. "Pep changed the way I see football," he said. "He taught me to think about space, timing, and movement in a way I never had before. Every session was a lesson."
Now, as he works to regain full fitness in the Spanish second division, Bernat is already thinking about life after playing. "I'm considering getting my coaching badges," he revealed. "I'd love to pass on what I've learned from the best—both players and coaches."
His experience with Messi, Mbappé, and Neymar at PSG also gave him insight into managing egos and expectations. "When you have players like that, you just need to give them the ball and let them create," he said with a smile.
Bernat's journey is a reminder that football at the highest level is as much about resilience as it is about talent. From recovering from serious injuries to making deliberate career choices, he embodies a professionalism that goes beyond the pitch.
For fans of the sport, his stories offer a rare glimpse into the daily world of the game's elite—and a deeper appreciation for the man who continues to define an era. As Messi's career evolves, with recent moves and changes in the national team, Bernat's testimony stands as a testament to the Argentine's enduring impact.
In the end, Bernat's decision to join Eibar may seem surprising to some, but for him, it's simple. "I'm where I want to be," he said. "Playing football, feeling alive, and chasing a dream with a club that believes in me."
