Former Barcelona forward looks back on the club’s infamous UCL triumph – ‘We created a sea of champagne’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona forward Maxi Lopez may have only spent two seasons at Camp Nou, but his time with the club was decorated with silverware.

The Argentine striker lifted four trophies during his spell in Catalonia, including back-to-back La Liga titles in 2004/05 and 2005/06, and the unforgettable UEFA Champions League crown in 2006.

That particular Champions League title remains one of the most cherished in Barcelona’s modern history.

The final, played in Paris against Arsenal, was sealed by Juliano Belletti’s legendary goal, a moment that is still celebrated by the club’s fans to this day.

In an interview with Post United (h/t SPORT), Maxi Lopez recalled the emotions of that night and the wild celebrations that followed.

“We created a sea of champagne by winning the Champions League. We started in Paris and ended in other cities. It was incredible,” said Lopez, remembering the occasion with a smile.

Friendship with Messi

Maxi Lopez played for just two seasons at Barcelona. (Photo by Luis Bagu/Getty Images)

During his time in Barcelona, Lopez formed a close friendship with a young Lionel Messi, who was beginning to make his name in world football.

Messi, however, missed the Champions League final in Paris due to an injury picked up against Chelsea.

Lopez revealed how their bond was built away from the pitch. “I lived in Barcelona with three childhood friends and we spent a lot of time with Messi making barbecues and playing,” he explained.

Admiration for Neymar

Lopez also spoke about another Barça star, Neymar, reflecting on the Brazilian’s early days at Santos.

“At 17 years old at Santos, he was crazy, he did what he wanted, he had fun with the rivals, you didn’t ask him to stop,” Lopez recalled.

While Lopez only faced Neymar once in an official match during his own time in Brazil with Vasco da Gama and Gremio, he kept a close eye on the young forward’s development.