Lionel Messi has opened up over his profession in a uncommon interview the place he spoke in regards to the ‘distinctive’ Pep Guardiola’s affect on him, the 2026 World Cup and why he ‘by no means cared’ about his record-breaking accomplishments.
The Argentine famous person spoke to ESPN forward of the MLS Cup remaining, which Inter Miami will function in on December 6 for the primary time of their historical past to probably give the Messi his first main league title within the US.
Messi broke the alleged all-time report along with his 405th profession help in his most up-to-date match, which noticed Inter Miami defeat New York Metropolis FC to achieve the ultimate, however the 38-year-old admitted he doesn’t take into consideration his numbers.
“I do not like statistics; at this time all the things is about that,” Messi stated. “I wish to be very concerned within the recreation.
“There have been years after we received all the things: reaching the Copa América remaining with the nationwide staff, profitable the Champions League with Barcelona.
“It is tough. In 2012, I scored round 91 targets. I do not play for that, I by no means cared about it. It wasn’t in my thoughts to make an help simply to interrupt a report or surpass another person. It is exhausting to decide on one 12 months; fortunately I’ve had many excellent ones.”
Messi on: Pep Guardiola
Messi was additionally filled with reward on Guardiola’s influence on his profession, explaining: “I had crossed paths with him as soon as, however I did not know him, we had no relationship till he grew to become our coach at Barcelona. Pep is exclusive. There are terribly good coaches, however he has one thing particular — he is the perfect of all for me.
“The way in which he sees issues, prepares matches, communicates … for me he is the perfect. We have been fortunate that all of us coincided at Barcelona — him and all of us. He had the items he wanted for what he needed.”
“Then he went elsewhere and stored profitable. It isn’t simply profitable; it is how his groups play. He did it at Bayern, he did it at Metropolis. Regardless that he did not win the Champions League at Bayern, he modified the best way soccer was performed in Germany, the place they have been used to a special model. In England he did the identical… He not solely adjustments a staff, he modifies how the entire league performs.”
“From the start we had a terrific relationship. Pep was very shut, we talked quite a bit, and I discovered an unlimited quantity from him. I added extra issues to my recreation on high of what I already knew. I discovered quite a bit with him — learn how to transfer, learn how to learn areas.
“He was even the one who put me as a false 9; in Barcelona’s youth groups I performed behind the striker. That was actually my place. Even once I debuted with [Frank] Rijkaard and later with Pep, they positioned me as a winger, however I had by no means actually performed there. However I stored including issues to my recreation and stored rising football-wise as effectively.”
Messi on: the 2026 World Cup
Messi expressed his ‘hope’ that he will likely be able to play in his report sixth World Cup subsequent summer season, though he revealed he believes Inter Miami’s pre-season break may give him a bonus over different worldwide stars.
“I hope I will be there. I’ve stated earlier than that I would like to be there. At worst, I will be there watching it reside, however it will likely be particular,” Messi stated.
“However being sincere, having a preseason within the center adjustments all the things for me. It is like beginning a brand new season from scratch, and having a preseason within the center will assist me quite a bit as a result of European gamers arrive to finals with a ton of matches of their legs, like at all times. Aside from Qatar, which was midseason, and lots of felt higher as a result of they’d much less load.
“I feel the identical will occur to me.”
He added: “The reality is now we have extraordinary gamers, and it has been proven for years — particularly the will and pleasure since [Lionel] Scaloni took over.
“The mentality everybody has. It is a squad filled with winners, with robust mindsets, who need to win extra, and that is contagious. You see it in coaching, in matches. You see them prepare and so they give all the things.
“Scaloni and his workers constructed all of this. The day-to-day ambiance comes from them. Argentina must make the most of this second. Coming off profitable the World Cup provides you confidence and aid to arrange competitions in another way.”
Messi on: the MLS schedule
With Inter Miami set to finish their season after the MLS Cup and giving Messi a two-month break, the legendary ahead admitted that the schedule ‘hit in another way’ in comparison with enjoying in Europe.
Messi stated: “I’ve stated it and I am going to repeat it: this a part of the season hits us in another way in comparison with Europe. We’ll begin a troublesome preseason in January after which we’ll have many video games in a row with the league and the [Concacaf Champions Cup].
“I’ll put together myself for that, however like I stated, I am going to take it daily, being sincere and real looking and attempting to really feel good
“This 12 months I felt actually good. I used to be fortunate to play many video games. Individuals speak in regards to the league being very bodily, and it’s; rivals have improved quite a bit. There are lengthy journeys, video games that get very back-and-forth. I really felt good, I loved it, and I hope the beginning of subsequent 12 months is similar.”
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