Lionel Messi has made waves by moving to America to play for Inter Miami in 2023. This decision not only enhanced the visibility of soccer in the U.S., but also boosted his team’s achievements and enriched his illustrious career. However, his most significant effect could be on Argentina, as he prepares for potentially his last World Cup, still displaying extraordinary skill at the age of 38.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, praised Messi, stating, “Leo will be the best for as long as he wants; he has been doing it every single match for the last 20 years.” Following Messi’s hat trick against Algeria, Thierry Henry described him as “on the moon.” Messi’s performance not only marked his first World Cup hat trick but also tied him with Miroslav Klose for 16 goals as the tournament’s top scorer.
Despite initially expressing doubt about another World Cup appearance, Messi continues to be the centerpiece of Argentina’s team. His ability to generate opportunities and score goals remains a valuable asset. Fox analyst Alexi Lalas emphasized Messi’s influence by stating, “Messi is the system, he is the tactic, he’s the formation, he’s the identity and he is the heart.” His leadership was apparent in Argentina’s decisive 3-0 victory against Algeria.
Messi transitioned from the competitive European soccer scene to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, which offered a less rigorous schedule. This shift seems to have revitalized him amidst concerns about player burnout due to soccer’s crowded calendar. His performance at the outset of the World Cup demonstrates that he has maintained his sharpness, despite reduced exposure to the world’s top defenders.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is widely regarded as the greatest soccer player ever. Although his prime years are behind him, he continues to reach new peaks on the sport’s grandest stage. After transferring from Barcelona, where he fell short of World Cup glory despite numerous Champions League victories, he joined Paris Saint-Germain and eventually captured his first World Cup trophy in 2022.
During his tenure at PSG, Messi faced less strenuous competition compared to his time in Spain. This adjustment allowed him to deliver exceptional performances at the 2022 World Cup, where he scored seven goals, including two in the final, indicating a stronger presence than his previous appearance in Russia. Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s current teammate at Inter Miami, emphasized the additional training undertaken by both players to ensure readiness for the tournament.
Messi finds motivation in other sporting legends, like Rafa Nadal, as illustrated by Netflix’s series on Nadal’s relentless drive to maintain top form. “I am very similar in that sense. I always want to feel good. As long as I can and I am well, I will be there,” Messi expressed.
His teammates draw motivation from his presence. “What Leo transmits is spectacular, it is hard to explain,” commented Scaloni. He is simultaneously viewed as a deity and a familiar figure among teammates, providing inspiration both on and off the field.
“Honestly, you just run out of words. Beyond the goals he scores, it is what he transmits—both to his teammates and to the fans. We will miss him.” – Coach Scaloni
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