Rodri on full return in City defeat: ‘I’m not Messi’

On Aug 31, 2025

Rodri, Manchester City’s influential midfielder, has made a candid and grounded statement following his much-anticipated return to the starting lineup after an 11-month hiatus due to an ACL injury. Despite his presence on the pitch against Brighton resulting in a 2-1 defeat, Rodri emphasized a vital team-first philosophy by saying, “I’m not Messi. I’m not going to come back and make the team win and win”—highlighting that football is inherently a collective effort and not the burden of a single player.

TL;DR: Rodri’s Honest Return Amidst Manchester City’s Challenges

Rodri’s return to Manchester City’s starting XI after a long injury layoff didn’t stop the team from falling 2-1 to Brighton, reflecting ongoing struggles. He stresses the importance of collective effort rather than individual brilliance, contrasting himself with Lionel Messi’s legendary game-changing ability. Despite personal readiness to regain form, he acknowledges the team’s need to improve together. Pep Guardiola echoes this sentiment, emphasizing squad adjustment and collective responsibility. This candid perspective is key to understanding City’s current trajectory and what lies ahead.

Rodri’s Return and the Reality Check for Manchester City

Rodri’s comeback to the Premier League lineup marked a significant step for both him and Manchester City after his ACL injury sidelined him for nearly a year. However, the match against Brighton revealed deeper team challenges as City dropped points for the second time in two weeks. Rodri’s humility stood out as he rejected any notion that his individual return would single-handedly reverse the team’s fortunes. Rather, he recognized the need for all teammates to collectively elevate their performances.

“This is a collective sport. When we won in the past, I needed all my teammates. For sure I have to recover and find my best level,” Rodri stated post-match.

His words resonate deeply in a sport where even the best players rely on team dynamics, synergy, and the full squad’s input to achieve consistent success. Rodri’s comparison to Lionel Messi, who he says can often single-handedly influence outcomes, positions his mindset firmly in the reality of collective responsibility.

The Message Behind “I’m Not Messi”

Rodri’s candid statement, “I’m not Messi,” encapsulates the pressure top athletes face when returning from injury. Unlike Messi, whose genius often alters games alone, Rodri, a midfield anchor, sees his role as enabling teammates and orchestrating play rather than performing miracles solo. This reflects an important lesson for fans and aspiring athletes alike: success in football depends on collaboration, shared effort, and resilience.

This perspective elevates Rodri’s leadership qualities and maturity, especially as one of City’s captains navigating through a team in transition.

Pep Guardiola’s Take on City’s Current Struggles

Pep Guardiola, the man at the helm, reflected on City’s performance and Rodri’s role with a balanced view. He acknowledges the squad’s strength but admits the team is still adjusting with several new players integrating into the system.

“The new players need time to adjust, and the experienced ones will assist them in this process. Rodri performed admirably and showed great character,” Guardiola mentioned. He also highlighted the importance of clearing minds during the international break to bounce back stronger.

His realistic but optimistic stance aligns well with Rodri’s message: City’s form is a collective responsibility that requires patience and collective effort.

What This Means for Manchester City’s Season Ahead

City’s recent defeats, including the loss at Brighton, signal early challenges in defending their Premier League title and competing in European contests. Rodri’s return is a positive milestone but not a magic fix. The emphasis now shifts to collective improvement, tactical coherence, and mental resilience.

Key Takeaways for Fans and Analysts:

Rodri is rebuilding his best form and leadership after his injury.
Manchester City requires full-team performance to reclaim dominance.
Squad integration and tactical adjustments are ongoing under Guardiola.
Fans should temper expectations for instant success post-Rodri’s return.
Collective accountability and teamwork remain the foundations for success.

Rodri’s Personal Insights on Past Greats and His Ongoing Journey

Rodri is no stranger to elite competition, having faced Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during his career. His respect for Messi’s unmatched talent (“greatest player of all time”) underscores why he distances himself from expectations to perform similar game-changing feats as he works back from injury.

This humility and realistic approach underpin his role as a team leader focused on raising morale and fostering unity, which is pivotal for City’s ambitions this season.

FAQs About Rodri, Manchester City, and Their Current Form

Q: What did Rodri mean by ‘I’m not Messi’?
A: He means that unlike Messi, who can often win games by himself, Rodri sees success as a collective football effort that requires the entire team to perform well—not just one player.

Q: How long has Rodri been out with injury?
A: Rodri missed nearly 11 months after an ACL injury and is still working on regaining his peak form.

Q: What is Pep Guardiola’s view on Manchester City’s recent performances?
A: Guardiola acknowledges City’s current challenges, emphasizing team adjustments and the need for new players to integrate, with hope to improve after the international break.

Q: Is Rodri back to his best fitness?
A: Not fully yet; Rodri admitted it will take months before he reaches his best level again but is confident in his recovery progress.

Q: What impact did Rodri’s return have in the latest match?
A: While he performed well and showed character, the team’s collective errors cost them the match, showing that one player alone can’t change the game’s outcome.