‘Humble’ Lionel Messi remains content with his achievements, says he doesn’t care about numbers

Lionel Messi has also decided to opt out of the Olympics, being held in Paris this summer.

‘Humble’ Lionel Messi remains content with his achievements, says he doesn’t care about numbers

Lionel Messi in a recent interview, expressed contentment with his achievements. (via IMAGO)

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, in a recent interview with ESPN Argentina, discussed his retirement plans. The 36-year old expressed contentment with his achievements and stated that he does not wish to extend his career merely to accumulate more accolades.

This year is significant for both Lionel Messi and his rival Cristiano Ronaldo, amid speculation that it might be their last with their national teams. With the 2026 World Cup just two years away, the ex-Barcelona star has the chance to play in a record sixth tournament. However, he is still in doubt about participating in the event, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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In an exclusive interview, possibly hinting at his Portuguese rival Ronaldo, the Inter Miami star exclaimed that he was not focused on setting records about playing in five or six World Cups. While he acknowledged the significance of holding records and pursuing achievements, he emphasized that he wouldn’t participate in a World Cup merely to show his presence. Fans have interpreted Messi’s comment as a reference to Ronaldo playing in his record sixth consecutive Euros.

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I'm not there to set any record or to say that I've played in five or six World Cups. I never gave much thought to records. It's a great thing to hold records and continue seeking accomplishments, but I wouldn't be at a World Cup just to say that I've been in six of them.
Lionel Messi said in an interview (via ESPN Argentina)

Additionally, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner highlighted that his participation in future tournaments would depend on his performance and fitness level. The 2022 World Cup winner further revealed that Inter Miami would be his last club, indicating that there is not much time left before his bows out.

Lionel Messi responds to Kylian Mbappe’s claim about the Euros being more difficult than the World Cup

Lionel Messi, responded to his former PSG teammate, Kylian Mbappe‘s comments about the competitive levels between the European Championships and the FIFA World Cup. Messi disagreed with Mbappe’s assertion that the Euros are more challenging.

Messi and Mbappe
Lionel Messi disagreed with Kylian Mbappe’s comment on the Euros and the World Cup. (via IMAGO)

While speaking to ESPN Argentina, the 2022 WC winner pointed out how Mbappe had suggested that the South American teams don’t face the same level of competition as European teams. In response to it, Messi noted that each region values its own tournaments.

Moreover, he added that while the Euro Cup is significant, it excludes Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, all multiple-time world champions. The FIFA World Cup, on the other hand, features the best teams, including all the world champions, which is why everyone aspires to be world champion.

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