“When I faced Lionel Messi in the 2022 Finalissima, I took a moment to congratulate him on winning the Copa America. I told him, ‘Messi, you have truly earned this. You have sacrificed so much for your country, dedicating countless hours and enduring immense pressure. At this point, you have nothing left to prove to the world. You have achieved every honor football can offer, and by any measure, you could retire with complete peace of mind.’ I wanted him to know that his career, even before the World Cup, was nothing short of extraordinary.
Messi’s response humbled me. He smiled and said, ‘Leonardo, I didn’t do this for personal glory; I did it for Argentina. Titles for my country mean more than any individual accolade. But I know that unless I win the World Cup, my journey isn’t truly complete, and I cannot retire yet.’ His words revealed the depth of his devotion—not to fame or recognition, but to the pride of representing his nation on the world stage. That is the heart of a champion, and the kind of mindset that defines legends.
I told him, ‘Even if you don’t win the World Cup, you are already the best player in football history. Your achievements, your consistency, and your brilliance over nearly two decades have inspired millions around the globe.’ Yet, seeing Messi eventually lift the World Cup brought an entirely new dimension to his greatness. I remember telling my family, ‘This is the justice of football. Messi deserves to hold multiple World Cups, not only for the victories themselves but for the miracles he performed on the field and the unforgettable joy he brought to fans worldwide.’
If I ever meet him again, I will tell him, ‘Now you can retire with peace of mind.’ Even the phrase ‘best player in history’ seems almost insufficient to describe Messi’s impact. He has transcended football, becoming a symbol of dedication, humility, and brilliance. His story reminds the world that greatness is not measured solely by trophies but by the heart, passion, and inspiration a player leaves behind.”
