Today is Lionel Messi’s 36th birthday, and the day marks the beginning of a brand new chapter in his life. The Argentine maverick finally won the trophy that had evaded him for so long just before he stepped away from the spotlight of professional football.
In a recent interview, the captain of the team that is now holding the title of World Cup champions stated, “I have achieved everything there is to achieve in football.” Being in that captain’s position must be an amazing experience. There is nothing further that can be done.”
It was speculated that Lionel Messi, winner of seven Ballon d’Or awards and widely considered to be the best player in the history of the game, might spend the latter stages of his illustrious career out of the public eye, which is precisely what happened. Messi’s shoulders were relieved of a tremendous burden of expectation when Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar the previous year.
Despite the fact that FC Barcelona had indicated its wish for its prodigal son to return, the uncertainty that surrounded La Blaugrana led Messi to avoid walking down the same torturous path that he had walked two years before. The offer was perhaps unparalleled in terms of how rich it was, and it was made by a team in Saudi Arabia; yet, he declined it as well.
In spite of the fact that his contract with Paris Saint-Germain was about to end shortly, Lionel Messi decided to sign with Inter Miami in order to put his own and his family’s health and happiness first. Messi did not exactly perform up to his standards while he was with PSG, and he was also in a terrible position psychologically for a few of years during that time.
Messi had been referred to as “an alien” by other players and fans throughout the years as a result of his non-stop and virtuoso presentation of the game. However, his departure from Europe highlighted a side of human nature that is relevant to a large number of people. He made this statement while declaring his intention to sign with an MLS club: “I want to get back to enjoying myself, to enjoy my family, my children, and the day-to-day.”
European football is going to badly miss his presence, but Argentina might profit from the shift to a more low-intensity atmosphere in America since it could allow Messi to prolong his international career more than anticipated. On the other side, European football is going to severely miss his presence. Messi, on the other hand, has stated that he would not participate in the 2026 World Cup in any capacity.
When Pele joined the Major League Soccer in 1975, it is generally acknowledged that he was responsible for a significant increase in the level of public exposure to and interest in football in the United States. After then, famous soccer players like as David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic moved there and made more contributions. Even though Messi has decided to slow down his career, he still has the ability to influence the next generation of American football players. This is despite the fact that he was once one of the best players in the world.
Messi may have been considered an underachiever if he had not been successful in winning the championship competition in Qatar. Xavi Hernandez, the current coach of Barcelona and a major role during Lionel Messi’s brilliant years at the Catalan club, recently made a statement that provided some insight into how difficult it is to be Messi. Xavi stated, “Imagine Messi, in the focus he has got on him, he has never gotten calm, he has to behave perfectly, he has to be perfect on the pitch, he has to be the best in every way.” Messi has never been able to find peace because of the attention that has been focused on him.
Messi is about to go on a brand-new journey in Miami, where he will be totally focused on experiencing life to the fullest. During this time, his supporters will undoubtedly appreciate whatever action the Rosario-born little magician has in store for them on the field.
FACT BOX
Lionel Messi
Data Relating to Individuals
The 24th of June 1987 is my birthday (I’m 36 years old).
Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, is the location of the birth.
Player(s) in the Forward/Attacking Midfielder position(s)
Club Career Barcelona (2004-2021), PSG (2021-23)
International Profession Argentina (Beginning in 2005)
Honors for the Team
Barcelona
UEFA Champions League: 4
UEFA Super Cup: 3
Third place in the FIFA Club World Cup
La Liga: 10
Copa del Rey: 7
Supercopa de España: 8
Paris Saint Germain Ligue 1: 2
Trophée des Champions: 1
2005: Argentina’s Year to Represent in the U20 FIFA World Youth Championship
Olympic Games for Argentina’s Under-23 Athletes in 2008
Argentina
2022 will host the FIFA World Cup.
Copa América: 2021
The CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions will take place in 2022.
Personal Awards and Recognitions
Ballon d’Or/FIFA Ballon d’Or: 7
The number one player in the world according to FIFA:
The Number Two Men’s FIFA Player in the World:
Golden Ball Count for the FIFA World Cup: 2
Best Player at the Copa America: 2
Copa America Top Goalscorer: 1
European Golden Shoe: 6
UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year Award went to number three.
La Liga Best Player: 6
Pichichi Trophy: 8
2nd Place Winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award
the number 15 is the Argentine Footballer of the Year.