Whatever happens between now and his retirement Lionel Messi will be considered one of the greatest players of all time when he hangs up his boots, however the Barcelona forward isn't too fussed how people see him.
It is the great debate that has no ending, who really is the greatest player of all time? We'll never know because we can't travel between eras and numbers only begin to tell the story.
The best any footballer can hope for is just being in the conversation, something that most won't even get close to, and Lionel Messi will certainly be in the conversation.
Of course the Barcelona man is probably already in the debate but we also have a propensity to favour those who have hung up their boots and played in an era we can reminisce about.
Messi has proved himself to be one of the all time greats on stats and records alone including his equal record, with Cristiano Ronaldo, of winning five Ballon d'Ors.
Most players in their 30s will probably start thinking about the end of their career and what kind of legacy they'll leave behind but not the Barca captain. Talking to Unisport about his legacy Messi said:
"In the end, everyone will remember and think of you what they want - and they're free to do so."
Asked about winning Ballon d'Ors the five-time winner answered, "Well, I don't think I've done anything decisive to achieve success or win titles. It comes when God decides and chooses, there's no fixed time."
There's no doubt that alongside Ronaldo, Pele, Diego Maradona, and a very limited few others that Messi is in the conversation, to some he is the conversation.
Full interview here
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ReyMessi17
391
The 🐐 is the person who doesn’t aim to be the🐐. He has never admitted to be the best or to try to be the best. And that’s what makes him the best.
tozabirsyz
215
The way and manner this man "Leo" talks and acts makes any thoughtful man think twice about life. He simply alots everything he has to nothingness. What level of humilty is this. Just imagine if this man is drunk crazy about individual accolades like some pple(I didn't mention names ooh).. Leo is just Enjoying his life... With u, life is easy.
Amazingchris
183
I love the effort that Ronaldo has put into this game of football. He has proven that by strength and dedication we can achieve nearly impossibles but Messi is by far a better player. Messi is a Allien or a super human if you like.
NgewihPaul
175
This is an example for every human in any profession to follow... that with commitment and the whole knowledge that when we work hard, and stay fervent to God, he determines our trophies n successes. Leo is an imperfect man that has strived to be a perfectionist. I hail him becos each time I watched him play, he teaches me a life time lesson... 1. Never give up even when life attacks u like Sergio Ramos n Pepe 2. Stay cool even in criticisms such as those from Pele 3. Even when u are regarded as nothing, stat focused (Maradona did) and keep up the crown awaits u. Leo.... u r a complete lesson. Long Live football, long live L. Messi 10.
AmuKivi
156
Messi never say he’s the best or better than anyone but with his silence he shows he is the best football player ever to play in and off the pitch !!! You can see He he so down to Earth and speaks merely..unlike other legends !! He rather speaks in the pitch to show he’s the best of All times 🔥🔥🔥🔥😎😎😎
promise3154
146
hmmmmm most times we humans tend to forget how it all started, how we scaled through who carried us out or tru d fire 🔥.... appreciation is always application for more, no doubt he may be d best and @same time may not be bt wen u acknowledge ur source u don't struggle 2 gain recognition.... Ronaldo on d oda hand is a very good player bt always relies on his skill and strength dats y most times he struggles badly to make a mark (@d end given a penalty 2 end d whole struggle). Messi playing a game whether he scores or not it's not of dat important because u can feel his raw impact on d game, people still calling him d best even when dia was no goal.... dats wat u get wen on d right source
Divyansh26
140
Humble,Polite,Down to Earth are all synonyms of Messi he is so cool and nice never shows his ignorance of what he has achieved till now due to his greatness ........A G.O.A.T for a reason.........He has became a victim of his own achievements and greatness....... Pure class and simply legend
RealMd13
133
Messi left an impression on fans after addressing his Ballon dOr wins & legacy Me: 😂 The Ballon dOr lost its Value when FIFA stopped giving it to Lionel Messi every year! And to this day I still think they should create 2 FIFA Ballon dOr 1 for Lionel Messi and another 1 for other footballers!