Football legend and Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, has expressed gratitude to God for blessing him with the extraordinary talent that shaped his career. Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami, the Argentine star said that while natural ability played a major role in his success, hard work and sacrifice were equally important.
“I have always said that God gave me talent and I have had it since I was a child, but I made a lot of sacrifices and effort,” Messi said. “I’m grateful to God because He gave me the most important thing.”
The 38-year-old forward, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), reflected on his long and successful journey in football, describing it as one that required persistence, discipline, and faith.
Messi’s comments come as he nears the twilight of an illustrious career that has spanned more than two decades. From humble beginnings in Rosario, Argentina, Messi rose through the ranks at FC Barcelona, where he spent over 20 years and became the club’s all-time top scorer.
During his time in Spain, he won numerous domestic and international titles, including 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and several individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or, which he has claimed a record eight times.
Despite his unmatched achievements, Messi has often spoken about the challenges he faced early in life. As a young boy, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that made it difficult for him to pursue professional football. His family later moved to Spain after Barcelona offered to cover his medical treatment—a decision that changed his life forever.
Messi noted that these experiences shaped his values and work ethic. “Talent alone is not enough. I had to work hard every day, give up many things, and stay focused,” he said.
Over the years, Messi’s humility and consistency have earned him admiration both on and off the field. Fans around the world see him not only as a footballer but as a role model for perseverance and modesty.
In 2022, Messi achieved what many consider the final piece of his football legacy—winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar. The victory was celebrated across the globe and solidified his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
Messi’s influence also extends beyond football. He runs the Leo Messi Foundation, a charity that supports access to education and healthcare for vulnerable children around the world.
At 38, Messi remains the most decorated player in football history, with over 45 major trophies to his name. His collection includes domestic league titles in Spain and France, continental championships in Europe and South America, and international honours with Argentina—including the Copa América and World Cup.
Currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi continues to inspire younger players and attract global attention to American football. His arrival in the United States has been credited with boosting ticket sales, television viewership, and the overall popularity of the league.
In his closing remarks at the Miami event, Messi emphasized the importance of faith and gratitude in achieving success. He said he remains thankful for every opportunity and hopes his journey inspires others to pursue their dreams with dedication and humility.
“I thank God every day for what He has given me,” Messi said. “Everything I have achieved came from believing, working hard, and never forgetting where I came from.”
