YEN Entertainment Awards 2025 is live – vote now for your favourite stars!Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed that Lionel Messi ultimately held the power to decide whether his unexpected transfer to Barcelona would be approved. The former Ghana international joined the Catalan club from Sassuolo in January 2019 on a loan deal with an €8 million option to buy. The move shocked fans across Europe, but Boateng now says it only happened because Messi gave his blessing.Now, years later, the former Ghana international has explained on the YouTube podcast Unscripted that the entire agreement rested on Messi’s approval.Read alsoReal Madrid legend names Ronaldo's greatest strengthStay ahead of the gist. Join YEN’s WhatsApp channel for instant updates!Boateng arrived in Spain under immediate scrutiny. Old interviews resurfaced suggesting he had admired Real Madrid as a teenager and had even claimed that with more discipline he could have played for Los Blancos. These comments raised eyebrows among Barcelona supporters, but he quickly dismissed the controversy in his first press conference. Standing before reporters, he heaped praise on Messi, calling him “the best player in this world and every world.”For Boateng, sharing a dressing room with Messi and Luis Suárez, whom he described as the best striker in the world, per World Soccer Talk.He also explained that while he could operate in multiple roles, the number nine position suited him best at that stage of his career. Kevin-Prince Boateng made clear he did not expect to walk into the starting lineup, acknowledging the extraordinary talent within the squad. His aim, he said, was to contribute experience, add depth, and earn an extended stay by performing well.Read alsoNew Black Stars coach sends strong message to Ghana's World Cup opponentsHowever, the story behind the deal, as Boateng now tells it, was far more dramatic than anyone knew at the time. According to him, every key figure at the club had already approved the transfer. Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, manager Ernesto Valverde, and both sporting directors—including Eric Abidal—were in agreement. The paperwork was nearly ready, and Boateng believed he simply had to show up the next day to sign. Then came an unexpected twist.On the podcast, Boateng revealed that the transfer came to a sudden halt because one final person still had to give the green light: Lionel Messi. Watch interview of K.P Boateng on Messi below:Read alsoMourinho among 5 coaches linked with Chelsea job after Rosenior's sackIn an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted Kevin-Prince Boateng's sensational strike during a friendly clash in Australia. The ex-Ghana star featured for Ronaldinho XI in the Joga Bonito Tour, where they took on a Tim Cahill-led Australian side in an entertaining showdown.JOIN IN: Suspicious Content In Your Feed? Bust It With Our Free and Brief Fact-Checking Course. Get a Certificate!Source: YEN.com.gh Isaac Darko (Sports Editor) Isaac Darko is a Sports Editor at Yen, boasting over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He has produced award-winning TV shows such as "Football 360" and "Sports XTRA" on ViaSat 1/Kwese TV. Isaac began his career as an Assistant Producer at TV3 Ghana Limited (Media General) and also contributed as a Writer and Weekend Editor for Pulse Ghana. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication). Email: [email protected].