As he approaches the conclusion of his illustrious career, Lionel Messi recently spoke with ESPN.
This is a significant period in his life. On Saturday, he aims to lead Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup, marking his inaugural league title outside Europe. Back in Barcelona, where he transformed from a teenager into a global icon, he remains a cherished figure, with ongoing speculation about a potential return to the team.
Then there’s the 2026 World Cup. In just over six months, the world’s attention will turn to the United States, Canada, and Mexico as Argentina aims to defend their title.
But will Messi be part of it?
In an extensive conversation with ESPN Argentina’s “SportsCenter,” Messi touched on various subjects, including his family, his aspiration to once more lead Argentina, the exceptional Lionel Scaloni, and his views on Pep Guardiola as one of the greatest of all time.
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On the MLS Cup final:
Messi: “I’m thrilled; it’s incredibly special to play in another final with this club. We just came off another final recently. Achieving the MLS final with a ‘new’ club is remarkable.”
He continued: “We’ve already begun preparations for the MLS final, studying our opponent, reviewing videos with Masche [Javier Mascherano], and working on tactics. We’re in a solid position.”
“Our current moment is positive; the team is strong and eager. Playing at home is a significant advantage. Although we faced inconsistency at times, we’ve remained resilient at home.”
On the MLS schedule:
Messi: “I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll say it again: this part of the season feels different compared to Europe. We’re gearing up for a challenging preseason in January, followed by a packed schedule with the league and the [Concacaf Champions Cup].
“I’m preparing for that, but as I said, I’ll take it one day at a time, staying honest and realistic while focusing on feeling well.”
“I felt great this year. I was fortunate to be part of many matches. People talk about the league’s physicality, and it truly is; opponents have significantly improved. The travel and back-and-forth nature of games can be taxing. However, I enjoyed it, and I hope to carry that momentum into the next year.”
On the expectation to win:
Messi: “I’ve always been competitive; I have a strong desire to win. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered challenging periods, but I always strive to rebound and pursue victory.”
“Many experiences from my past I only value in hindsight. During my career, I’ve been immersed in a relentless schedule of important matches, always striving for significant goals.
“We’d win one, and a month later, another crucial match would come up, as new years brought the obligation to win everything.”
“The pressures of playing for a top club like Barcelona, and similarly in Paris and with Argentina, meant that winning was an expectation.”
“More often than not, winning is a formidable challenge, but the mentality to win defined my approach all along, with day-to-day demands sometimes overshadowing the joy of past victories.”
On his childhood dream:
Messi: “I often mention that my childhood dream was to play for the Newell’s first team. Visiting the stadium as a fan, I aspired to be a professional in the Primera division. Then, my life took a monumental turn when I left at 13, debuted for Barcelona, and experienced everything that followed.
“It’s something I could never have imagined, even in my wildest dreams. I’ve shared moments far beyond anything I ever envisioned.”
On his playing mentality and the talent of Leandro Paredes:
Messi: “Truthfully, I’ve always had that intensity on the field. Once I step onto the pitch, my personality shifts. I’m normally shy and introverted, but on the field, I become passionate and competitive, striving to get everything right.
“It’s all part of the game, and that energy remains there. I play to win, which ignites my emotions. Everything that transpires stays on the field.”
“Players like Paredes and De Paul are the kind you want on your side, even though opponents dislike facing them. Off the field, they’re wonderfully humble individuals, but on the pitch, they transform.”
“When I see Paredes play, I realize the significant impact he’s had on Boca Juniors since he joined. He’s strengthened their presence, particularly at home, largely due to his playing style and ability to organize the team.”
“It’s great to see our group bond so well, and I hope his success will continue. He is a friend, and I truly care about him.”
On Argentina’s World Cup prospects:
Messi: “We definitely have remarkable players, which has been evident for years, especially the drive and excitement since [Lionel] Scaloni took charge.
“The mentality in the squad is outstanding. It’s filled with winners who possess strong ambitions; their determination is infectious. You can see it during training and matches. They give everything, and that is a significant strength of our team.
“Scaloni and his staff have created this environment. The prevailing atmosphere comes from their leadership.
“New talents keep emerging, alongside those already in the squad. When a team is unified like this, welcoming new players becomes easier.
“Argentina must seize this moment. Winning the World Cup has instilled confidence and eased the burden of different preparations for upcoming competitions.”
On the genius of Lionel Scaloni:
Messi: “From day one, he established a clear vision, and his greatest strength lies in his closeness to the team.
“He relates well to each player, understanding them personally and effectively communicating with everyone. He constructed this team, incorporating both new and lesser-known players in Argentine football.
“Regardless of where they play, he includes everyone. This approach keeps Argentine players motivated, knowing they could be called upon at any moment based on their club performance.
“It’s an additional layer of motivation. Scaloni deserves immense credit for that.
“He was quite the character as a player, more reserved now as a coach. However, as a teammate, he was endlessly cheerful and available to us younger players.
“I often joke with him about how he was tough on me during the 2006 World Cup.
“‘That’s not true,’ he responds.
“‘You may not remember, but you were hard on me,’ I remind him.
“We share that connection, and despite his change in role, his closeness and support have remained consistent since he became our head coach.
“We communicate well, and he interacts with everyone. His best quality is being genuine, direct, and speaking openly with each player. Importantly, he excels at match preparation, analyzing opponents’ weaknesses and anticipating their threats.
“He is simply outstanding.”
On the 2026 World Cup:
Messi: “We’ve indeed been discussing it. He [Scaloni] has expressed his desire for me to be involved in some capacity. Our mutual trust allows open communication on everything.”
When asked if he would play a Finalissima against Spain:
“Honestly, no. It’s not confirmed whether it will even happen.
“That being said, a preseason during that time alters my perspective entirely.
“It’s akin to starting a new season fresh, and having a preseason will greatly benefit me, as European players often arrive at finals heavily loaded with matches. The only exception was Qatar, which occurred midseason, allowing many to feel less burdened.
“I believe I will experience similar benefits.”
On returning to Rosario:
Messi: “I always maintain that I strive to be myself, living day by day as I naturally am. I refuse to pretend or act differently based on observers or their opinions.
“I’m quite reserved with my circle – family and friends. The highlight for me is when December arrives, and I can return to Rosario for the holidays with my loved ones.
“Throughout my life and career, I’ve remained true to this.
“December is always dedicated to returning to Argentina and spending the holidays with my family.
“I may have had disagreements with Pep [Guardiola] about scheduling around that time, but he always understood and permitted me to go.
“For me, that was immensely motivating, returning with renewed energy after being in Rosario with friends and family. My normal life is quite routine, taking the kids to school, training, and spending afternoons with my boys, enriched by the values of family.”
On the ‘unique’ Pep Guardiola:
Messi: “I had encountered him briefly before, but our relationship only flourished when he became our coach at Barcelona. Pep is one of a kind. While there are numerous great coaches, he possesses something extraordinary – he’s the best in my eyes.
“Similar to what I’ve said about Scaloni: his vision, preparation, and communication skills make him exceptional.
“We were fortunate to have coincided at Barcelona—him and all of us. He had the right components to achieve his vision.”
“Then he moved on and continued to succeed. It’s not merely about winning; it’s about the style in which his teams compete. His influence extended to Bayern, and then to City, transforming football’s landscape in those leagues.”
“From the start, Pep and I developed a strong bond. He was approachable, and I learned an immense amount from him.
“I acquired additional elements to my game, enhancing my understanding of movement and space.
“He was even the one who transitioned me to the false nine role, as I initially played behind the striker in Barcelona’s youth teams. That was my natural position. Even during my debut with [Frank] Rijkaard and onward with Pep, I found myself on the wing, a position I hadn’t truly been accustomed to.
“Nonetheless, I continued to evolve, growing in both skill and understanding of the game.”
On the best year of his career:
Messi: “It’s challenging to pinpoint one year, as it really depends on your perspective.
“Statistics don’t matter much to me; the focus today seems to be solely on that. I prefer being immersed in the game itself. There were years when we triumphed across all fronts: reaching the Copa América final with my national team, winning the Champions League with Barcelona.
“Selecting one exceptional year is tough; I’m grateful that I’ve experienced numerous fantastic seasons.”
On the importance of family:
Messi (after viewing a family video from an interview during his time with Argentina’s under-20s): “Family means everything to me; they are the most important aspect of my life.
“They have consistently been my support system. We endured tough moments together, particularly with the national team. Their emotional investment often ran deeper than mine.
“In Barcelona, we celebrated victories, only for me to face challenges again with the national team, where I faced hostility, with critics claiming I didn’t care about the jersey and should retire. My family stayed in Argentina and endured the aftermath of those sports shows — we all exhibit a certain degree of masochism.
“I’ve been fortunate to have my family beside me. We’re tightly bonded, along with [wife] Antonela’s family. I take great joy in having them near; ultimately, that’s what truly matters.”
On the challenges of winning the World Cup:
Messi: “Indeed, I believe we have a remarkable team, and we’re determined to try again. Yet, it’s these minor details that can thwart progress.
“Any national team can cause obstacles; one can hit the post and face elimination, or be ousted in a penalty shootout. Despite winning on penalties, we dominated against the Netherlands and France but still reached shootouts. We had the exceptional [goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez], affectionately known as ‘Dibu,’ who was integral to our victory, yet there are times when penalties can result in defeat.
“Winning the World Cup is incredibly difficult. It’s experienced differently whether you are a spectator, player, or supporter. Observing the current group, I’m confident they will put up a strong fight.
“Our victory lifted a significant weight; playing without the burdens of expectation is a relief. Nevertheless, that success doesn’t guarantee future outcomes, as everyone aims to dethrone the reigning champions.
“There are formidable national teams like Spain, France, Brazil, and Germany, all eager to return to glory.”
On his participation in the 2026 World Cup:
Messi: “I genuinely hope to be part of it. I’ve previously stated my desire to be involved.
“If nothing else, I’ll be there to witness it live, but being there in any capacity is a special opportunity. The World Cup holds a unique significance for everyone, especially for us, as we experience it in entirely different ways.”