‘I’ve Been Lucky Enough to Achieve All My Dreams’: Messi Reflects on Records and Legacy

Lionel Messi marked his 200th appearance for Argentina with yet another historic performance, equalling Miroslav Klose’s tally of 16 goals to become joint all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

‘It’s an honour to be alongside Klose, but it doesn’t mean anything,’ Messi said after the match.

‘At the end of the day, it’s just a statistic and nothing more. While I’m proud to be able to compete with them, it doesn’t mean anything. For me, Ronaldo [Nazario] was one of the greatest and he isn’t top of the list, so it’s just a statistic.’

Messi’s journey with Argentina began two decades ago when he was hailed as Diego Maradona’s heir.

Ten years later, he endured one of the lowest points of his career, announcing his retirement from international football after missing a penalty in the Copa America Centenario final against Chile, Argentina’s third consecutive shoot-out defeat.

Yet Messi returned, and in 2022 finally lifted the World Cup in Qatar, fulfilling his lifelong dream.

‘Everything I’m experiencing now is a bonus,’ he reflected. ‘I’ve been lucky enough to achieve all my dreams, and more, both individually and as part of a team. I’m relishing this now, as part of a wonderful group and I feel good about being able to enjoy it on the pitch. Everything I’ve experienced is far more than I could ever have imagined as a child.’

With Argentina leading Group J after their opening 3-0 win over Algeria, Messi continues to inspire fresh dreams. His words reveal the competitive drive that still fuels him: ‘I just love playing football. It’s been my passion since I was a little boy, and when I feel good, I give it my absolute all.

‘We’re watching the Rafa Nadal documentary series and we’re very similar. I identify with him a lot. I always want to give my all and feel good. That’s how I enjoy it. As long as I can and I’m fit enough to do it, I’ll be there.’