Gerard Pique opens up on FIERCE El Classico rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has opened up on the club's rivalry against Real Madrid. He said that he even used to celebrate Madrid's defeat as much as Barca's wins.

All you need to know about Barcelona and Real Madrid rivalry

Barcelona and Real Madrid form one of the most legendary rivalries, not just in football but in sport generally. Their matches are known as El Classico and have featured some of the biggest players in the history of football. The two Spanish giants often compete for all the biggest trophies in Spain and Europe.

Former Barca defender Gerard Pique threw light on this rivalry in a recent interview with Movistar. He said:

“I remember celebrating Madrid's defeats the same way as our victories. There has to be rivalry, otherwise it's not fun. The most entertaining matches were Barça-Madrid.”

Gerard Piques' record against Real Madrid

Pique came through Barcelona's academy but went on to join Manchester United in 2004. After four years, he returned to Barcelona and registered 616 appearances for them, contributing 53 goals and 13 assists.

The former Spain centre-back played against Real Madrid for 42 times across all competitions. He managed 19 wins, 13 defeats, and 10 draws in these encounters.

Gerard Pique wants Lionel Messi in the Kings League

Interacting with the media, Pique said that he wants to have the best players in the Kings League, especially Messi. He wants to wait before sending the Argentine an invite, as he is yet to retire from professional football. He was quoted by Tribuna as saying:

"We’re trying to attract all the great legends from the world of traditional football. And Messi is the greatest of them all. Right now, he’s still an active player, playing for Inter Miami. But when he retires, we might have the chance to invite him."

The Kings League has been developing at a fast pace and are eyeing a move to the United States in 2026. Kings League CEO Djamel Agaua shared their plans with the media in June 2025 and said (via ESPN):

"We feel ready to attack the big animal, which is the U.S. market ... We start on the East Coast for operational reasons."

Lionel Messi to leave Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi is expected to sign a new multi-year deal with Inter Miami. However, he has signaled that he is close to retirement, and it could be his final deal.