Gigi Buffon Recalls Messi’s Unexpected Gesture in 2015 Champions League Final
Buffon, fondly known as Gigi, recalled the encounter during an interview, shedding light on Messi’s character beyond the pitch.

Gigi Buffon Recalls Messi's Unexpected Gesture in 2015 Champions League Final. Photo/Give Me Sports.
In a heartwarming anecdote that underscores the camaraderie among football’s greatest icons, Italian goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon recently shared a moment he experienced with Lionel Messi during the 2015 UEFA Champions League final.
Despite the intensity of the high-stakes match between Buffon’s Juventus and Messi’s Barcelona, the Argentine star displayed an act of sportsmanship that has remained etched in Buffon’s memory.
Buffon, fondly known as Gigi, recalled the encounter during an interview, shedding light on Messi’s character beyond the pitch.
“In the 2015 Champions League final, I felt a hand on my back,” Buffon said. “It was Leo! He told me: ‘Gigi, are we swapping shirts now?’”
Barcelona ultimately emerged victorious in the final, defeating Juventus 3-1 to claim their fifth Champions League title. The game was a testament to the dominance of Barcelona’s iconic attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez.
For Buffon, however, the match also left him with an enduring personal memory, highlighting Messi’s humility and respect for the game and its players.
Messi’s gesture came during a moment when emotions were running high. Losing a Champions League final is a tough pill for any player to swallow, and for Buffon, a legend chasing his first European crown at the time, the defeat was especially poignant.
Yet, Messi’s simple act of kindness served as a reminder of the spirit of football—one that transcends rivalries and competition.
The shirt swap itself, often seen as a gesture of mutual respect among players, carries particular significance when it involves icons like Buffon and Messi.
Both players have enjoyed illustrious careers, with Buffon earning recognition as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time and Messi solidifying his status as one of football’s finest talents. Moments like these not only showcase the human side of the sport but also underscore the mutual admiration shared by players at the pinnacle of the game.
Buffon’s revelation has struck a chord with fans, who see it as another example of why Messi is revered not just for his skill but also for his humility.
In a world often dominated by rivalries, stories like this serve as a reminder of the respect and camaraderie that define the beautiful game.
For football enthusiasts, it’s moments like these—where legends connect off the pitch—that truly capture the essence of the sport.