Former Barcelona winger Malcom has recalled the encouraging message Lionel Messi gave him before he scored against Real Madrid in the 2019 Copa del Rey semi-final, revealing how the Argentine superstar helped boost his confidence ahead of the important encounter.

According to a report by Barca Universal on Friday, November 13, 2026, the Brazilian, who spent only one season at Barcelona, explained that Messi personally told him he would feature in the highly anticipated El Clasico clash and encouraged him to prepare for the opportunity.

Speaking during an interview with Abu Dhabi Sports TV's 90 Minutes, Malcom described how the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner offered him reassurance before the meeting with Barcelona's biggest rivals.

"I remember that before the Clasico against Real Madrid he said to me: ‘We're counting on you. Get ready because you're going to play’," Malcom recalled.

The Brazilian eventually justified Messi's confidence by scoring in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at Camp Nou in February 2019.

Barcelona started the match without Messi, who was dealing with a thigh problem. Real Madrid took advantage of his absence to break the deadlock in the sixth minute, with Lucas Vazquez finishing from close range after receiving an assist from Karim Benzema.

Malcom was given the opportunity to make a difference and responded with an important goal in the second half. After Barcelona had created opportunities through Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, the Brazilian picked up a loose ball inside the Madrid penalty area, controlled it and produced an excellent finish past goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

His effort brought Barcelona level and ensured that the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.

The Catalan side subsequently delivered an impressive performance in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, securing a convincing 3-0 victory to book their place in the Copa del Rey final.

Although Barcelona eventually suffered a 2-1 defeat against Valencia in the final, Malcom's goal against Real Madrid remained one of the standout moments of his brief spell at the club.

The former Bordeaux winger also revealed that Messi's encouragement extended beyond the semi-final encounter, explaining that the Argentine regularly supported him during their time together in Barcelona's dressing room.

According to Malcom, Messi consistently motivated him and helped him maintain his confidence, even when he was physically tired or competing with other players for a place in the starting eleven.

"He was always there to encourage me, motivate me and give me confidence, even when I was tired or had to compete with other players for a spot," he added.

Malcom's comments provide further insight into Messi's influence within the Barcelona dressing room, highlighting how the Argentine contributed not only through his performances on the pitch but also by supporting and encouraging his teammates.

Interestingly, Messi also tried to persuade the Brazilian to remain at Barcelona when he was considering leaving the club in the summer of 2019.

Malcom had attracted interest from Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg, who eventually completed his signing for approximately €40 million in August 2019. The winger revealed that Messi approached him during that period and attempted to convince him to reconsider his decision to leave.

However, Malcom ultimately chose to move to Russia, although he has since acknowledged that leaving Barcelona may not have been the best decision.