"Messi does not know that he is Messi, today I see that happening" - Brazil legend Kaka hails Lionel Messi for his 'great mentality'
Brazilian legend Kaka recently showered praises on Lionel Messi for his great mentality. He recalled how the Argentine was crying because he was unable to continue in the 2024 Copa America final owing to his ankle injury.
The Brazilian was appreciative of Messi's mentality. He pointed out that despite winning many accolades and arguably completing football, the Argentine was upset because he was unable to help his country in a major final.
"Messi must raise his head up and know himself well. They always said that Messi does not know that he is Messi, and today I see that happening. He has won 8 Ballons d'Or, the World Cup, and 5 Golden Shoes, and he is now the most decorated with titles. He was crying because he could not complete the match. What a great mentality," Kaka said (via MessiFc World).
He also loved that the fans at the Hard Rock Stadium during the 2024 Copa final chanted Lionel Messi's name and paid their respects when he was crying.
“What the fans did will be unforgettable. Not just the Argentines , even the Colombia fans. When they saw Messi crying, they started chanting his name. This is something to be proud of. It is Messi. He has won his love from all over the world," Kaka added.
After Messi's ankle injury, he was subbed off in the 66th minute and replaced by Nico Gonzalez. Argentina went on to win their second consecutive Copa America after defeating Colombia 1-0 with Lautaro Martinez's 112th-minute goal during extra time.
When Kaka chose Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in history
In a 2020 interview on FIFA's official channel, Kaka was faced with the age-old question of choosing between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner notably played alongside Ronaldo in Real Madrid between 2009 to 2013.
The Brazilian did not hesitate to pick Lionel Messi over his former teammate, labeling the Argentine as a genius.
"I played with Cristiano and he's really amazing, but I'll go with Messi. He's a genius, a pure talent. The way he plays is incredible," he said (via OneFootball).
Despite preferring Leo Messi, Kaka praised Ronaldo's mental strength and willingness to be the best. He said of his former teammate:
"Cristiano is a machine. It's not just the way he's strong, powerful and fast; he's strong mentally. He always wants to win and play. To be the best. For me, that's the most incredible thing he has."
The Brazilian accepted that fans are lucky to see both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play as both are definitely in the top five in the history of the sport.