Lionel Messi is set to approach another World Cup final with much less anxiety than in the past, as he feels he has already realized his ultimate football dream by lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022. Since making his debut in international football, Messi has always expressed his ambition to win the World Cup, a dream that became a reality after enduring years of disappointment, notably Argentina’s loss to Germany in the 2014 final. Now, at age 39, he enters Sunday’s final against Spain with little left to prove. Messi has captured every major trophy at both the club and international levels, making him the most decorated footballer in history, with an unrivaled collection of team titles and individual accolades that secure his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Event Context
In the lead-up to the final, a journalist likened Lionel Messi’s illustrious career to a smooth, immersive video game during an interview. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner responded with his characteristic humility, playfully remarking that he had already ‘finished the game’ after winning the World Cup four years prior. ‘I completed the game at the last World Cup. It’s already done,’ Messi joked on the sidelines of a pre-match event for the World Cup final on Friday. He further minimized the significance of the impending final, emphasizing his long-standing approach to football as a journey of enjoyment rather than one driven by pressure.
“We never think about the pressure”: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi reminisced about his formative years, highlighting how his love for football was fueled by countless hours spent playing on the streets, at school, and with his local team. “We grew up immersed in football, driven by passion and the joy of playing, no matter where we were. Whether at school, in the streets, or on a team, we all began our journey in neighborhood squads as kids,” Messi shared in an interview with TyC Sports. He emphasized, “We never really focused on the pressure; it felt quite natural. Playing was about enjoyment. While we are a competitive bunch who enjoy winning, it’s essential to remember that football is a team sport. There are opponents to consider, and winning isn’t always guaranteed. From a young age, I understood that losses were more frequent than victories, which contributed to my growth, both as an individual and as a player,” Messi said, downplaying the significance of high-stakes matches.
