On April 10, 2026, respected Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared Alba’s account via his official Facebook page, shedding light on why Lionel Messi held up his shirt to Real Madrid fans during the dramatic 2017 El Clásico clash.
A defining moment in football history that took a new meaning after fresh revelations from Jordi Alba.
The celebration came after Messi scored a last-gasp winner at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing a thrilling 3-2 victory for FC Barcelona.
While the image of Messi standing before stunned Madrid supporters became iconic, Alba has now revealed the emotional context behind it.
“Not many people know why Messi lifted his shirt that night. During the match there were chants and insults directed at Messi, they even called him disabled and a dwarf”.
Alba disclosed that the Argentine forward was visibly angered by the abuse during the first half. “In the dressing room at halftime he got angry and he told Suárez that these people don’t belong in football… they kept doing it in the second half”.
The tension reached its peak when Messi struck the decisive goal in stoppage time as assisted by Jordi Alaba himself.
“When Messi scored the winning goal he approached the fans and lifted his shirt. He silenced them all and said, ‘Remember my name’”.
The moment has since become one of the most memorable celebrations in football history, symbolizing defiance, brilliance, and the ability of a great player to rise above hostility on the grandest stage.