Messi still trying to comprehend his own greatness
Watching Lionel Messi often leaves football fans with a delightful dilemma. Which piece of magic should they admire most?
His dazzling dribbling, an unbelievable pass or a spectacular goal? Just when they settle on one moment as the best, another comes along to change their minds. Even knowing what Messi is capable of, it is hard not to be amazed time and again. After watching him for so many years, the sense of wonder still refuses to fade.
Yet Messi himself, the man whose game leaves millions of people in such a quandary, is now grappling with a different kind of uncertainty. It is not about his football, but his achievements. After a long career in which the game has given him almost everything, even Messi is unsure whether he has fully grasped the magnitude of it all.
The 39-year-old superstar made the admission after bringing his international career with Argentina to a close following more than two decades in the national colours. He played his final match for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires last Tuesday. Adidas, the sportswear manufacturer, subsequently released a special video in which Messi reflected on his career, achievements and the emotions surrounding his farewell.
Asked what advice he would give his younger self, Messi replied: “Enjoy it. Enjoy every moment a little more. To be honest, I don't even know if I've fully understood everything I've achieved in football.”
It is a surprising admission from a player whose career has brought him the World Cup, the Copa America, the Champions League and eight Ballon d'Or awards. Yet Messi remains unsure whether he has fully comprehended the scale of his own accomplishments.
A look back at his career, however, reveals just how long and difficult the journey has been. There was a time when the inability to win a major title with Argentina weighed heavily on him. After a series of final defeats, he faced criticism and even announced his retirement from international football once before. But he returned, persevered and eventually led Argentina to Copa America and World Cup glory. The dream that had repeatedly slipped through his fingers finally became reality.
Amid all those triumphs, playing for his country has always held a special place in Messi's heart. After so many years representing Argentina, saying goodbye has proved far from easy.
“I loved coming here. I've been coming here for more than 20 years, so stepping away from this place isn't easy. Thank you, Argentina, for sharing all these years with me,” Messi said.
Reflecting on his time in the national shirt, Messi spoke of both victories and defeats, stressing that representing Argentina had never been solely about winning trophies.
“Wearing this shirt and being able to defend it with all my heart has been an enormous honour for me. I've experienced defeats and victories, but wearing this shirt means more than anything else. I've always tried to represent my country that way,” he said.
Although his chapter with Argentina has closed, Messi's football career is not over. He continues to play club football, and whenever he gets the ball at his feet, the familiar magic remains. Even after all these years, predicting what he will do next is as difficult as ever.
Perhaps that is where Messi's feelings and those of his admirers converge. We struggle to decide which of his moments deserves to be called the greatest, while he wonders whether he has fully appreciated everything football has given him. The difference is simple: our sense of wonder comes from watching him play, while his comes from looking back on the extraordinary journey he has travelled.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments