Lionel Messi thanks God for trophy

Barca legend, Inter Miami talisman, and lineal-GOAT Lionel Messi thanked God in remembrance of a particular trophy he lifted recently.

Speaking to Star+ after enjoying much glory and respect in the wake of winning the World Cup with Argentina’s men’s team, ‘The Flea’ said he was grateful to God that he was among players who achieved everything a footballer can achieve.

‘I had a bad time,’ revealed Messi. ‘My family and the people who love me did too. [The critics] were very unfair to a generation of players, and they said a lot of bad things about me. Today, 95 percent or 100% of Argentines love me, and that’s a beautiful feeling.’

‘I was lucky I achieved everything at club level with Barcelona and also on an individual level. [The World Cup] was the only thing that eluded me. There are very few players who can say that they have achieved everything, and thanks to God, I am one of them.’

Messi’s countryman and former international player Pablo Zabaleta once commented on the star’s mood while pursuing the world title.

‘I liked Messi’s reaction at the end, with his celebrations and whatever he said to [Louis] van Gaal when he approached him afterwards. An angry Messi is something we love to see,’ reacted Zabaleta. ‘It reminded me a little of Diego Maradona—that kind of character—and that is not a bad thing when you are trying to win a World Cup.’

Zabaleta pointed out Messi’s work as a captain during the campaign.

‘Messi is leading this squad full of young players having their first experience of this tournament, and in every picture I see of him walking out of the tunnel, everyone is behind him like they are his bodyguards,’ added Zabaleta. ‘Even on the field, it is like all of them are fighting for Messi and protecting him.

‘I know from playing with him that he feels he has to set the standard and lead by example, but I also know how much he must be enjoying every minute of this World Cup, knowing he has everyone right behind him.

‘He has always been the main player, so it was the same in 2014 when I was in the Argentina team that reached the final—but he was 27 then, not 35.

‘The difference now is this is his last chance—his last dance, if you prefer—at the end of his career. That makes everything feel more urgent, and you can see that from our performances.

‘It would be more special if he wins the World Cup at last, but there is also so much pressure on the team because of what failure means this time—quite simply, it means the end of his dream.’

Many think Lionel Messi is now better than Diego Maradona and Pele. The Netherlands’ Patrick Kluivert identified as one of them.

‘With all due respect to Diego Maradona, Pele, and Johan Cruyff, and to all the other legends of the game, what Messi has achieved makes him the greatest player ever,’ said Kluivert. ‘He’s won the World Cup, Copa America and I don’t even know how many Champions League trophies – he’s won all the trophies a footballer could ever want to win.

‘And there’s the personal prize he has won as well. I consider Messi as one of, if not the greatest ever.’

Lionel Messi continues to play for Inter Miami.

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