Leo Messi Reflects on Triumph, Heartbreak, and Gratitude
“There was a moment during the final when, amid all the overwhelming joy and celebration, my mind began to wander,” Messi confessed. “I started thinking about Kylian Mbappé and imagined myself in his place. He scored three incredible goals in that final, yet he didn’t become a champion. I couldn’t help but wonder what that must have felt like for him—the confusion, the frustration, the disbelief. He must have asked himself repeatedly, ‘How could this happen?’ ‘Why did all my efforts fall short?’ Moments like these make you realize that football isn’t just about individual brilliance, but also about timing, luck, and collective effort.”
“Seeing Mbappé perform so exceptionally and yet leave without the trophy reminded me so much of my own journey,” Messi continued. “In 2014, I experienced something very similar. To play your heart out on the world’s biggest stage, to give everything you have, and still come so close but not achieve the ultimate dream—that kind of experience is almost torturous. You relive it over and over in your mind and ask yourself, ‘Could I have done something differently?’ ‘Could I have won two World Cups instead of one?’ It’s in these moments that the line between elation and pain becomes so thin, and you truly understand the complexity of football and life itself.”
“Yet, despite these painful memories, I also feel a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude,” Messi reflected. “To be able to say that I have conquered virtually everything in football is a privilege that few experience. Every league title, every Champions League trophy, every individual award represents years of dedication, passion, and sacrifice. I am profoundly thankful to God for giving me these opportunities, for guiding me through both the highs and lows, and for allowing me to enjoy a career that has brought so much joy—not just to me, but to millions of fans around the world. Reflecting on all of this, I feel an immense sense of peace, knowing that I have given my all and embraced every challenge with humility and love for the game.”
