Messi, a World Cup champion for Argentina and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, was the final speaker on the first day of the America Business Summit.
The Inter Miami star told a business conference on Wednesday that there will be a time to reflect on what he's done in his football life. But those days, he said, won't happen until he retires, and given that he has a contract to continue playing through 2028, that may not be anytime soon.
"It's not something I've thought about or worried about," Messi said, when asked about his legacy.
"When I retire, as the years go by, obviously, I’ll value everything I did in my career and what I achieved professionally much more. But today is the time to keep enjoying myself and to keep playing," he added.
Messi, the World Cup champion for Argentina and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, was the final speaker on the first day of the America Business Summit on Wednesday — following the likes of President Donald Trump, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
He was interviewed by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who presented Messi with a ceremonial key to the city when their talk was complete.
"It is spectacular, my first time living in this incredible city," Messi said. "The affection of all the people from the first day, it was impressive and today is yet another example of the welcome. ... I'm very grateful."
Suarez asked Messi about what it was like to lead Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022. The U.S., Canada and Mexico will play host to the World Cup next summer, when Argentina will aim to defend its title.
"As a player, winning the World Cup, I think it's the best," Messi said. "After the World Cup, you can't ask for anything more."
Messi joined Inter Miami midway through 2023, won the Major League Soccer MVP award last year and is a heavy favourite to become the league's first back-to-back MVP this season. He and Inter Miami face a win-or-else Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against Nashville SC on Saturday night at the team's home park in Fort Lauderdale.
At 38, Messi is still elite. He scored a league-best 29 goals in this year's MLS regular season, five more than LAFC's Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge. He also had 19 assists, and his 48 total goal contributions were one shy of matching the MLS record of 49 set by Carlos Vela in 2019.
But he also acknowledged that his mind is, slowly, beginning to shift to life after football and his varied business interests.
"Unfortunately, at some point, it ends," Messi said. "I want to continue learning. ... For me, something else is coming, another world, and little by little I am getting involved."
ANK3430
290
The GOAT speaks at summits, stays true and humble. While someone somewhere gives nonsense interviews in a single room with a 'who even knows him reporter'
Noecelpt
137
Lionel Messi is so humble that he'd prefer telling it as it is, then wanting to entertain the stage. His personality and character both on and off the pitch is rare and unique. He speaks from an understanding perspective, and the reality is just there. This guy is just good.
yehbceikmp
115
The one and only goat 🐐
Dreams_cant_be_buy
103
Someone after hearing this
Rikabelop
65
Bro after getting eliminated from the 6-7 games competition! 😭
KasongoWaKenya
53
When Messi speaks with so much maturity, Ronaldo fans find it hard to criticise him.
Iffy106
32
Messi Messi Messi fans to haters right now
Banaceopy
18
what i notice Everytime Ronaldo say something Messi by who ever he is control by has to be told to contradict those word Messi is simply just overused
Fuoelnrsuz
13
Messi should keep quiet , the World Cup wasn’t truly won, it was handed to him. Much of what he has achieved seems more given than earned. He remains silent not out of humility, but because he knows deep down that some of his accolades were not entirely deserved.
shabar34
12
Well if you’re the GOAT then you don’t need anyone to tell you that, CR7 knows what he’s saying and even those calling MESSI the GOAT know that MESSI was given the WC 😹
I swear your papa no get sense o you no watch Wc final lol 😆
Pecelrtuz
8
Messi should keep quiet , the World Cup wasn’t truly won, it was handed to him. Much of what he has achieved seems more given than earned. He remains silent not out of humility, but because he knows deep down that some of his accolades were not entirely deserved.
It's simple cr7 participated in the robbery as u cr7 fans call, cr7 accepted to eat money and allow Morocco to beat thr a$$, cr7 was also payed to claim bruno's goal as well, France was also paid to lose the match, hence the robbery, u can cry more penaduians[Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Kevin201
8
The GOAT speaks at summits, stays true and humble. While someone somewhere gives nonsense interviews in a single room with a 'who even knows him reporter'
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Whether this quote is really coming from Zlatan doesn't matter but it's the truth.