Lionel Messi: “The end is near and I’m enjoying and valuing every moment as much as possible”

Lionel Messi was honored by MARCA, being named the greatest football player ever and Messi spoke at the ceremony about his career.

Messi was named as the greatest football player of all time by Spanish outlet MARCA and the Argentine was awarded the trophy on Thursday. MARCA director Juan Ignacio Gallardo was also present and here is what he told the Argentina:

“This time I know I will not give this recognition to any other player because no one will surpass you, Leo.”

At the ceremony, here is what Messi had to say:

“The end is near and I’m enjoying and valuing every moment as much as possible.

“Argentina and Barcelona are my home. Today I am also in a place where I feel very happy, a new stage in my life.”

When talking about the 2026 World Cup with Argentina:

“The World Cup 2026? Everything happens for a reason in life, now I’m just trying to live day by day. Now I feel very good, when that period comes we’ll see. I don’t want to say anything in advance, I’m enjoying everything day by day.”

After having won the World Cup and two Copa America trophies with the Argentina national team:

“What’s left for me in football? Thank God I can say that I’ve achieved every dream I had. My biggest dream was to win the World Cup, not only mine but every player’s dream is to win World Cup when we start playing.

“I have also won everything for club of my life in Barcelona, I also won titles in PSG and I can’t ask for anything else.

My love for this sport is immense. We came here to make this club even greater I didn’t come to retire.

“Recently, I was at a packed Monumental with Argentina, hearing my name and my teammates’ being chanted. I’ve gone through many tough times with Argentina, and I am grateful for the moment I am living now.

“Throughout my career, I also had difficult times. Not everything is beautiful. Disappointments helped me grow to what I achieved now.”

Lionel Messi on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/o3MCEZv37X

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 17, 2024