The G.O.A.T, the magician, the goal machine and whatnot, Lionel Messi is known by many names to his fans and is praised all over the world for his talent. Messi has finally achieved what he and his fans were waiting for, by winning the World Cup for his country last year, which has settled the debate over the title of the greatest player in the world. Making history since day one, when he set foot on the football ground and still working his magic on the field, Lionel Messi is an inspiration for millions. Here are 10 reasons why we love the G.O.A.T.
HIS HUMILITY
“When I retire, I want to be remembered as a good guy” — Lionel Messi
The G.O.A.T. remains the same person he was before he achieved global fame. According to Messi, fame hasn’t changed the most important aspects of his life. The man often participates in charitable events, awareness campaigns and donations through his own charitable organisation — the Leo Messi Foundation, which invests in healthcare services to improve children’s lives, in addition to his work with UNICEF. From stopping to give his autograph to a little boy at an airport, to hugging fans at a pitch invasion, to paying tribute to seniors and loved ones by pointing at the sky, Lionel Messi shows his humility and how grateful he is for his fans and followers.
THE G.O.A.T
“I’m never satisfied. I always push my limits and I always try to get better every day” — Lionel Messi
From possessing seven Ballon D’ors to winning the World Cup last year that he was waiting for, all the debates and discussions on who is the greatest of all time have been settled by the one and only Lionel Messi. The Argentine’s speed with the ball is probably unparalleled in the game. And much like his speed, Messi’s agility is on display when he dribble-passes smoothly through onrushing defenders and in a blink of an eye it’s a goal! Truly a magician.
A DOG PERSON
Well, who doesn’t like a dog person? When Messi published his photos and videos of playing football with the French Mastiff whom he named Hulk, it caused a real stir on social media. Hulk has also travelled with the player from Spain to Paris during his high-profile move from Barcelona to PSG. Messi often posts photos with his pooch on Instagram.
CUTE IS THE NEW HOT!
Along with other good-looking footballers in the soccer world, the 36-year-old Argentine is on the list too. Apart from dashing footballers like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka, football fans also drool over our birthday boy for his cute-innocent yet hot personality. From iconic hairstyles to carrying the inks oh-so-perfectly, Lionel Messi makes us drool over him.
A TEAM PLAYER
“I’m always trying to be my best, first for my team, for myself, for the fans, and to try and win” — Lionel Messi
Having the greatest player in the team not only makes the job easier but it opens up spaces for other members of the team to make an impact in the game. The biggest impact that Messi has on those around him is that he forces them to raise their game by giving appropriate passes and supporting each team member. Apart from being a genius, his ability to make those around him look better, truly makes him the star that he is.
HE INSPIRES US TO DREAM
“I’ve liked football since I was a kid and I’ve always dreamt of becoming a professional footballer. I never thought of any other job” — Lionel Messi
Growing up in the streets of Rosario, Argentina, everyone around him knew that Lionel Andres Messi was gifted from the moment he touched a football. At the age of 11, Leo was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, which not only put his football career in jeopardy but also threatened his physical development. Being relatively short as a footballer, his disadvantage did not stop him from acquiring skills and control of the ball as he continued playing for European football clubs’ youth teams. Soon in 2004, Messi made his official debut and became the thirdyoungest player ever to play for FC Barcelona, and in 2005 at the age of 17 he became the youngest player ever to score in a La Liga game for FC Barcelona. And the rest is history.
THE FAMILY MAN
Whether it’s video-calling his wife or hugging his children on the field after winning games, Leo gives us the dream family man vibes.Messi’s family manages all his professional affairs. Social media floods with fun vacay pictures with his family, cute videos with his kids and other times of how much he enjoys being around his family.
LOYAL TO HIS COUNTRY
Although being criticised a few times for not being able to win a World Cup for his nation, Messi had always made it clear that it is with the Albiceleste (white and sky blue coloured in Spanish — the nickname of Argentina’s national football team) team that he wants to be a champion, which he has proved again and again by winning Copa America in 2021, CONMEBOL UEFA Cup of Champions 2022 and finally the FIFA World Cup after 36 years for Argentina last year. Despite all the interest from various European giants and the controversies involving his tax issues and those pertaining to the hierarchy of the club, Messi has endured everything and stuck by his sky blue and white jersey.
THE MESSIAH
The pun combines the words ‘Messi’ and ‘messiah’ to truly denote his god-like prowess and skills on the pitch. Whether it’s a six-yearold kid or a 60-year-old man, Lionel Messi has the superpower to make anyone fall in love with the beautiful game. When he steps into the field, he doesn’t do so to dominate his opponents but he does to enchant the world with his magic, which is something not any other footballer claims to do.
AN IDOL
“You have to fight to reach your dreams. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it” — Lionel Messi
It was at 4am one day in 2014 when the greatest player in the world missed a penalty and lost the FIFA World Cup finals. He passed by the golden cup, with a gloomy face. Messi took Argentina into three finals after that but unfortunately couldn’t receive any trophies for the national team. But he never gave up. With his humility intact, he kept hustling despite all the criticism he faced. And on July 2021, Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa America finals, which was the first major international crown for Lionel Messi and we all felt him when was on his knees crying on the field. And finally last year he made history by winning the world cup for Argentina after 36 long years. Not only for fans, but he is an idol for footballers too. Lionel Messi is an idol who makes us never give up on our dreams.