"Thank God I fulfilled all my dreams" - Lionel Messi speaks out as he's recognized as the most successful player in history by news outlet
Lionel Messi shared his thoughts on stage after being recognized as the most successful player in football history by Spanish publication MARCA. The Argentine legend received the MARCA America Award on October 17 at the Chase Stadium in Miami.
After an illustrious career spanning two decades, Messi is widely considered as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The legendary forward boasts a record eight Ballons d'Or alongside a record 46 trophies for club and country. His other personal accolades include a record six European Golden shoes, two World Cup golden balls, and three FIFA The Best awards.
Among his 46 trophies, Messi notably won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles with Argentina. He has also achieved everything at club level, including four Champions Leagues, 10 LaLigas, and two Ligue 1 titles.
Speaking at the award ceremony about his successful career, he said (via MARCA):
"Thank God, I fulfilled all my dreams. More than I had when I was little. I was able to achieve the biggest dream, which is to win a World Cup. I won a lot at the club of my life, Barcelona, also in Paris, Inter... And we will continue fighting."
Messi further added that he does not count his titles and said:
"I don't count the titles. Above all, the individual ones. (...) We've also had difficult times. Not everything is pretty. The disappointments helped me grow."
Lionel Messi has been in sensational form for both club and country this season, despite missing two months due to an ankle injury. The La Albiceleste superstar was injured during Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final.
After his return in September, he led Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters' Shield with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew on October 2. Messi scored a brace in the game to secure Inter Miami's first Supporters' Shield title. He also scored a stunning hat-trick and bagged two assists in Argentina's 6-0 win over Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers on October 15.
"We'll see" - Lionel Messi talks about playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
At the MARCA America Award ceremony, Lionel Messi responded to queries about him playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said:
"When the time comes to go to the World Cup... we'll see. I hope I can continue to perform at this level. When I feel good and enjoy it... I'm happy. But I don't set myself the goal of getting there. I take it day by day."
Lionel Messi's success with the national team did not come without its fair share of disappointments. The Argentine superstar notably lost three consecutive finals with Argentina, including the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa Americas.
Messi's first major piece of silverware with La Albiceleste came at the 2021 Copa America. The Argentine legend then led his country to the 2022 World Cup title and was named player of the tournament. He also won the 2024 Copa America with La Albiceleste.