Lionel Messi was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, beginning his path to stardom at a young age with a dedication that took precedence over a traditional college education.

He received a basic education in Argentina but did not attend university, focusing instead on his football career.

Messi is known not only for his on-field achievements but also for his generosity off the pitch.

In terms of height, Messi is shorter than many footballers, but his stature does not hinder his abilities and sometimes even offers advantages in football.

Messi's presence in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami has proven challenging for defenders, reflecting the unique influence he brings to any game.

His global impact is such that fans and commentators consistently find new reasons to study and discuss his career and legacy.

Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at just 17 years old and soon became a pivotal player for the club.

His playing style, records, and achievements—such as numerous league titles and Ballon d'Or awards—have established him as one of the sport's all-time greats.

A viral video shows a young Messi humbly responding to being named Man of the Match, highlighting his long-standing appreciation for teamwork.

Messi's will to win is matched by his performance on the pitch and the deep connection he shares with teammates and fans.

After years of near-misses with Argentina, Messi fulfilled his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup, a triumph celebrated by his family and supporters.

His legacy is seen in his consistent excellence, leadership in victories such as Copa America, and the joy he brings to fans and fellow players.

Some debates remain about whether winning the World Cup cements Messi as the greatest of all time, as legends like Pelé and Maradona are also revered globally.

Regardless of such debates, Messi’s place in football history is indisputably secure.

Lionel Messi was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, beginning his path to stardom at a young age with a dedication that took precedence over a traditional college education.

Title:

Content: Did Lionel Messi Go To College?

News

Did Lionel Messi Go To College?

In the world of professional sports, it is not uncommon for athletes to forgo higher education in pursuit of their dreams. Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is no exception. Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, Messi’s journey to stardom began at a young age, and his dedication to the sport led him down a different path than that of a traditional college education.

Early Life and Football Career
Messi’s passion for football was evident from a young age. At just six years old, he joined the youth team of his local club, Newell’s Old Boys. His exceptional skills quickly caught the attention of scouts, and at the age of 13, he moved to Barcelona, Spain, to join the prestigious La Masia academy. It was here that Messi’s talent flourished, and he rapidly rose through the ranks to become a key player for FC Barcelona.

Education and College
While Messi’s focus was primarily on his football career, he did receive a basic education during his time in Argentina. Like many young athletes, his commitment to training and matches left little time for formal education. However, it is important to note that in Argentina, primary and secondary education is compulsory, ensuring that Messi received a foundational education.

FAQ

1. Did Lionel Messi attend university?
No, Messi did not attend university. His dedication to football led him to pursue a professional career at a young age.

2. Did Messi complete high school?
While Messi did not complete high school in the traditional sense, he did receive a basic education in Argentina, as primary and secondary education is compulsory.

3. Does Messi regret not going to college?
There is no public information to suggest that Messi regrets not pursuing a college education. His incredible success in football speaks for itself.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi did not attend college. His exceptional talent and early dedication to football propelled him to the heights of the sport, leaving little room for a traditional college education. Nevertheless, Messi’s achievements on the field continue to inspire millions around the world, proving that success can be achieved through passion, hard work, and talent.

He received a basic education in Argentina but did not attend university, focusing instead on his football career.

Messi is known not only for his on-field achievements but also for his generosity off the pitch.

Title:

Content: In a heartwarming gesture, football legend Lionel Messi has made headlines for his on-field prowess and generosity off the pitch. The Argentine icon recently presented his autographed Argentina jersey to Selena Gomez's Rare Impact Fund Charity, a noble cause aimed at providing young people worldwide with access to mental health care and education.

The exciting news was unveiled on X, formerly known as Twitter, by Pop Base, who shared a screenshot of the cherished item. The gesture drew attention and appreciation from fans and supporters alike, as they marveled at the opportunity to “bring home a signed jersey of one of the world's best football players.”

Lionel Messi, a true maestro of the beautiful game, hails from Argentina and has earned a staggering seven Ballon d'Or trophies, solidifying his status as the planet's premier male player. His contribution to Argentina's victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup remains in football history.

Rumors are now swirling that Messi himself may grace Selena Gomez's upcoming benefit event, aptly titled “A Night of Radiance and Reflection,” scheduled for October 4th. The event promises an unforgettable evening filled with delectable food, refreshing drinks, captivating entertainment, and an engaging live auction, with all ticket proceeds channeling support to the Rare Impact Fund. This gathering of compassionate individuals aims to make a tangible impact on the lives of young people worldwide, fostering mental health awareness and educational opportunities.

Interestingly, Selena Gomez was recently spotted attending one of Messi's games in early September, creating a buzz among fans and media outlets alike. The pop sensation stopped at the BMO Stadium to witness the riveting clash between Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami. Seated alongside Xolo Mariduea and her sister Gracie, Gomez's reaction to a Messi shot during the game was captured on camera and swiftly went viral, further cementing the bond between the global superstar and the Argentina forward.

In Lionel Messi's gift to the Rare Impact Fund Charity, we see the power of sports transcending boundaries and positively impacting the world. As Messi continues to shine on the football field, his compassionate acts off the pitch remind us that true greatness extends beyond the confines of a soccer pitch, reaching the hearts and minds of those who need it most.

In terms of height, Messi is shorter than many footballers, but his stature does not hinder his abilities and sometimes even offers advantages in football.

Title:

Content: How Tall Is Lionel Messi?

News

Lionel Messi: The Height of Greatness

Introduction
Lionel Messi, the Argentine football sensation, has captivated the world with his extraordinary skills and mesmerizing performances on the field. As fans and admirers continue to marvel at his talent, one question that often arises is, “How tall is Lionel Messi?” In this article, we delve into the height of this football icon and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

How Tall Is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi stands at a height of 1.70 meters, which is approximately 5 feet 7 inches. Despite his relatively modest stature compared to some of his towering opponents, Messi has proven time and again that height is no barrier to success in the world of football. His agility, speed, and exceptional ball control have allowed him to outmaneuver and outshine many taller players.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Messi’s height affect his performance on the field?
A: Not at all. Messi’s height has never hindered his ability to dominate matches. In fact, his low center of gravity and quick acceleration give him a significant advantage, enabling him to change direction swiftly and leave defenders in his wake.

Q: How does Messi compare to other footballers in terms of height?
A: While Messi may be shorter than some of his contemporaries, his impact on the game is immeasurable. His exceptional skills and achievements have solidified his place among the greatest footballers of all time, regardless of height.

Q: Are there any advantages to being shorter in football?
A: Absolutely. Being shorter can provide players with enhanced agility, balance, and speed. It allows them to maneuver through tight spaces, maintain better control of the ball, and evade tackles more effectively.

Q: Has Messi’s height ever been a subject of criticism?
A: Occasionally, critics have pointed out Messi’s height as a potential weakness. However, time and again, he has proven them wrong consistently delivering outstanding performances and achieving remarkable success at both the club and international levels.

Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s height may be modest, but his impact on the world of football is immeasurable. Standing at 1.70 meters, he has shattered the notion that height is a determining factor in achieving greatness on the field. Messi’s exceptional skills, determination, and unwavering passion for the game have made him an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide, proving that true greatness knows no bounds.

Messi's presence in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami has proven challenging for defenders, reflecting the unique influence he brings to any game.

Title:

Content: "So fun to watch" - Inter Miami star explains why MLS defenders are finding it impossible to stop Lionel Messi

Inter Miami defender Julian Gressel was all praises for Argentine legend Lionel Messi. The forward has been in sumptuous form ever since his return from injury, propelling the Herons to the top of the Supporters' Shield standings.

Lionel Messi has been nothing short of exceptional for Inter Miami this season, emerging as the leading goalscorer and assist provider in MLS. His unparalleled skill set has left defenders across the league grappling with the challenge of containing him.

According to Miami defender Julian Gressel, MLS defenders are finding it increasingly difficult to thwart Messi's attacking prowess. The Argentine's ability to evade markers and anticipate his next move has rendered him virtually unstoppable, particularly with the Inter Miami squad now synchronizing with his playing style.

In a recent appearance on the Player/Manager podcast, Gressel shed light on the daunting task of defending against Messi. He said:

"As soon as he has that time and the edge and he runs at you and has players that understand where he is passing and, after that, he’s accelerating.
"In that moment, they’re just incredible plays and they’re so fun to watch. He’s done it so many times in his career and it’s just impossible to stop. Even when those balls aren’t 100% perfect, he’s still so hard to stop."

David Beckham explains the impact of signing Lionel Messi on MLS

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has emphasized the significance of Messi's arrival in MLS, both on and off the pitch. Beckham, who orchestrated Messi's signing with the Miami franchise until 2025, highlighted the transformative effect that the Argentine has had on the league.

Reflecting on Messi's influence while speaking to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, Beckham remarked:

"It's just that effect that Leo has on the game and the world. One of the reasons we wanted to bring him to America was to inspire the next generation. That was my plan. I obviously wanted to bring him for the player he is and the person he is."
"I played against him numerous times, actually twice thankfully, but I've been a fan of him and watched him for many years. And I always had the plan to bring the greatest player to ever play the game, in my opinion, to our team. Luckily, it happened."

Lionel Messi has 10 goals and nine assists in the league this season in eight games for the Miami outfit.

Quick Links

Get the free App now

His global impact is such that fans and commentators consistently find new reasons to study and discuss his career and legacy.

Title:

Content: What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

News

What Was Lionel Messi Known For?

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability, Messi has left an indelible mark on the world of football. From his early days at FC Barcelona to his international success with the Argentine national team, Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi showed immense talent from a young age. He joined the Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13, where he honed his skills and developed his unique playing style. Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004, at the age of 17, and quickly became a key player for the club.

Playing Style and Skills
Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling ability, close ball control, and lightning-fast speed. His low center of gravity allows him to change direction quickly, leaving defenders in his wake. His vision and passing accuracy are also remarkable, enabling him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. However, it is his goal-scoring prowess that truly sets him apart. Messi has an incredible ability to find the back of the net, often with stunning precision and creativity.

Records and Achievements
Throughout his career, Messi has shattered numerous records and achieved countless milestones. He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or, which he has claimed a record-breaking seven times. Messi has also led Barcelona to numerous domestic and international titles, including ten La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.

FAQ

Q: What is Messi’s playing position?
A: Messi primarily plays as a forward or attacking midfielder, but his versatility allows him to excel in various positions on the field.

Q: Has Messi ever won the FIFA World Cup?
A: Despite his immense success at the club level, Messi has yet to win the FIFA World Cup with the Argentine national team. However, he has led Argentina to the finals in 2014 and has won several other international tournaments, including the Copa America.

Q: How many goals has Messi scored in his career?
A: As of 2021, Messi has scored over 700 goals in official matches for both club and country.

In conclusion, Lionel Messi is known for his exceptional skills, agility, and goal-scoring ability. His playing style, records, and achievements have solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Whether it is his mesmerizing dribbles or his ability to find the back of the net, Messi’s impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.

Messi made his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2004 at just 17 years old and soon became a pivotal player for the club.

His playing style, records, and achievements—such as numerous league titles and Ballon d'Or awards—have established him as one of the sport's all-time greats.

A viral video shows a young Messi humbly responding to being named Man of the Match, highlighting his long-standing appreciation for teamwork.

Title:

Content: TRENDING TOPICS

After Argentina lifts FIFA World Cup trophy, old video of young Lionel Messi goes viral. Watch

After Argentina won FIFA World Cup 2022, an old video of young Lionel Messi went crazy viral on social media. The video was initially shared by Newell’s Old Boys.

Advertisement
After Argentina lifts FIFA World Cup trophy, old video of young Lionel Messi goes viral. (Image courtesy: Twitter)

In Short

  • After Argentina won FIFA World Cup 2022, an old video of young Lionel Messi went crazy viral on social media.
  • The video was initially shared by Newell’s Old Boys.
  • The video has over 6 lakh views.

By Tiasa Bhowal: It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the world is still not done celebrating Argentina’s win over France in the finals of FIFA World Cup 2022. Football fans from all across the world hailed the Argentinean players, especially Lionel Messi, for their swashbuckling performance. Amid the football World Cup frenzy, an old video of little Lionel Messi has taken the internet by storm. It could, perhaps, be Messi’s first-ever interview. Newell’s Old Boys released this video on Twitter initially, and later, several social media handles shared it.

advertisement

In the video, young Messi is asked if he knows that he has been selected as the Man Of the Match. To this, he replies with a “no”. He was further asked to describe his goal. “The ball came from Federico Rosso Griggini gave it to Lucas, Lucas gave it to me and I scored it,” he said.

“A young Lionel Messi speaks after a goal-scoring performance for Newell’s Old Boys. This may be his first ever post-match interview,” the video caption reads.

Watch the video here:

After watching the video, one thing that everyone appreciated about Lionel Messi is the fact that, even as a young boy, he acknowledged his teammates’ contributions.

“The beauty of childhood. You can never tell what a child will become. This sweet young man turned into a serial destroyer,” a Twitter user wrote.

“Even at a young age he’s appreciative of his teammates in his goal,” another user wrote.

See more reactions below:

In the finals, Lionel Messi scored a brace and Di Maria also put in one as Argentina had full control of the game until Mbappe powered an incredible comeback from France as the match ended 3-3 after extra time. Then, Argentina beat defending champions France 4-2 on penalties,

Messi's will to win is matched by his performance on the pitch and the deep connection he shares with teammates and fans.

After years of near-misses with Argentina, Messi fulfilled his dream of winning the FIFA World Cup, a triumph celebrated by his family and supporters.

Title:

Content: The evolution of Argentina, Messi and Scaloni: From pariahs to heroes

Located in the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve in Puerto Madero, Paseo de la Gloria (Walk of Glory) is a tourist attraction that was created in Argentina’s capital ahead of hosting the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

Visitors and locals walk the airy promenade and pay homage to the country’s most accomplished sportsmen and women: heroes of tennis, field hockey, basketball, golf, boxing and horse racing are enshrined in bronze and immortalized, just a stone’s throw from the Rio de la Plata.

Advertisement

Among the most recognizable statues are those of former NBA great Emanuel Ginobili and tennis icon Gabriela Sabatini. But the most popular statue is that of Lionel Messi.

Created by Argentine sculptor Carlos Benavidez, it captures Messi’s signature running style — the moment when he bursts past an opponent on the dribble.

It was erected in 2016 shortly after the now 35-year-old retired temporarily from Argentina’s national team. A defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final was followed by two consecutive Copa America final losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016.

Both the defeats by Chile were agonising penalty shootouts, including Messi sailing his penalty over the bar at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in the 2016 match. Immediately after that game, Messi shocked the world when he announced his retirement from international football.

“It’s incredible, really. It just won’t happen for us,” a downtrodden Messi told reporters from the mixed zone. “Apparently this is how it’s going to be. Today it happened to us again, and again in penalties.”

Asked what was going through his head and whether it was too early to think about CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers for Russia 2018, Messi muttered: “I was thinking about this in the dressing room. That’s it. The national team is over for me. It’s been four finals. Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for me. I couldn’t do it. That’s it.”

Messi had already won five Ballon d’Ors and eight La Liga titles with Barcelona. He had lifted four Champions League trophies and had enormous success in Europe. For over a decade, Messi has been considered the world’s best player, but success in Argentina’s famed No 10 shirt has eluded him.

He was criticized in Argentina for failing to perform for his country when it mattered most. Messi left his boyhood town of Rosario for La Masia in Barcelona at the age of 13 and became a legend in Spain, but that was later used by Argentina fans and pundits to question whether he truly embodied the rugged spirit of an Argentine footballer.

Advertisement

It was that type of patriotic envy that was debated relentlessly on nightly television programs, in cafes and in the press. Barcelona’s football had finessed his game and softened his mentality, they said, and that was evidenced by the aforementioned finals losses.

Messi was revered around the world, but he had become a polarizing figure in Argentina — a “foreigner” who was crippled by the pressure of representing Argentina and a player who was burdened by the shadow of Diego Maradona.

As a result, Messi’s statue on the Walk of Glory became a frequent target for vandals. The statue’s torso was first stolen and then replaced, only to see it destroyed again in December of 2017.

A man runs past the statue of Lionel Messi after it was vandalized in 2017 (Photo: Mariano Sanchez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Perhaps the thieves wanted a piece of Messi memorabilia for themselves. However, the symbolism that a toppled statue of Messi represented at that time could not be ignored.

Messi and his Argentina team-mates had become pariahs in their own country. Glory had slipped between their fingers far too many times to forgive.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia increased the toxicity around the Argentina national team. Drawn with Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria, they struggled to grasp manager Jorge Sampaoli’s Bielsa-inspired tactics and only narrowly advanced from the group stage.

A 1-1 draw with minnows Iceland was followed by a 3-0 thrashing by Croatia, the eventual runners up. Messi scored his only goal of the tournament against Nigeria to secure a place in the round of 16. They were promptly eliminated 4-3 by France. Sampaoli’s short stint ended less than a month later.

Reports of a rift between Sampaoli and Messi magnified the national team’s debacle in Russia. The general consensus in Argentina was that it was time to move on from a generation of players who had failed to win a title and instead incorporate new players into the national team — players who were unburdened by past failures.

Advertisement

Captain Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain, Lucas Biglia, Ever Banega, Marcos Rojo, Enzo Perez, and Gabriel Mercado would not play again for Argentina.

There would also be a new manager tasked with leading Argentina at the 2019 and 2020 Copa America tournaments and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. The list of potential successors to Sampaoli included Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone and former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Instead, Sampaoli’s assistant Lionel Scaloni was hired as interim manager. A former Argentina defender who played at the 2006 World Cup, Scaloni coached Argentina’s Under-20 men’s side before joining Sampaoli’s staff. He had two priorities when he accepted the caretaker position.

Lionel Scaloni shortly after taking over as Argentina manager in 2018 (Photo: Marcelo Endelli via Getty Images)

The first was to add Argentina Under-17 national team coach Pablo Aimar to his staff. Aimar is a respected tactician in Argentina and a staunch defender of football that suits creative players. The former Argentina, River Plate and Valencia midfielder was also Messi’s childhood hero. After Aimar accepted the role alongside Scaloni, the two coaches picked up the phone and called Messi.

“After (the World Cup) in Russia, Pablo and I called (Messi) and told him that we would coach the team on an interim basis,” Scaloni told ESPN in September. “Messi was a team captain with Mascherano. It was best that he heard it directly from us.”

Messi’s brief retirement in 2016 still lingered in the consciousness of every Argentinian. From the outside, his commitment to the national team was in question after Argentina crashed out in Russia. And considering the coaching candidates who had been rumored to take over for Sampaoli, Scaloni’s initial appointment underwhelmed Argentina supporters and journalists.

Aimar was joined on Scaloni’s staff by former World Cup veteran defenders Roberto Ayala and Walter Samuel. Yet, their inexperience as coaches overshadowed their careers as elite European-based footballers. Supporters clamored for an evolution of the national team, but when it began in earnest, it was difficult for Argentinians to accept.

Nonetheless, there was a detail that would prove crucial to Argentina’s future success under Scaloni. It wasn’t tactical, although Scaloni would gradually fine-tune Argentina’s style of play with Messi as less of a focal point.

What allowed Messi to feel comfortable again in the Argentina shirt was the fact he and the manager shared a bond. Scaloni had never coached in Argentina before joining the national team.

After playing two seasons in Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys and Estudiantes de la Plata in the late 1990s, Scaloni left for Europe and didn’t return as a player. He played for Deportivo La Coruna, Lazio, West Ham United, Racing Santander and briefly for Atalanta. Scaloni maintains a residence in Mallorca and he was an assistant under Sampaoli at Sevilla.

Scaloni wasn’t “made in Argentina” and that was criticized by traditionalists. But that commonality with Messi has strengthened their relationship. Messi is more comfortable than he has ever been in Argentina’s blue and white, due in large part to Scaloni and the players the manager has chosen as Messi’s supporting cast.

“When we took over officially, (Messi) told us that he’d come back, that he was committed and that if we called him, he’d play,” Scaloni said. “It was very natural. He shows a love for the national team which is evident when you see him play. The will to win for him is because of what he shows us on the pitch.”

Argentina lost 2-0 to hosts Brazil in the semi-final of the 2019 Copa America. They had started the tournament poorly with a 2-0 loss to Colombia which sounded the alarms in Argentina, as Scaloni’s tactics looked like a work in progress.

The side was experienced but Scaloni incorporated younger players like Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes and Giovani Lo Celso. The holdovers from the 2018 World Cup team included Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Messi, Nicolas Otamendi and goalkeeper Franco Armani. Scaloni was beginning to build a core group.

He would need to impress in friendlies versus Chile, Mexico and Germany that same year. Argentina drew 0-0 and 2-2 with Chile and Germany, respectively, then routed Mexico 4-0. There was a workman-like identity to this new-look Argentina. There were persistent calls from pundits for Scaloni to be innovative with his tactics. Nevertheless, confidence and camaraderie were growing within the group.

Scaloni and the players had their sights on a chance to end the national team’s 28-year trophy drought. Argentina were set to co-host the 2020 Copa America with Colombia, which would have been a first for South American football.

That historic milestone never occurred. COVID-19 concerns in Argentina plus political unrest in Colombia forced CONMEBOL to strip the countries of hosting duties, postpone the tournament a year, and move it to Brazil.

The apprehension regarding Scaloni’s inexperience persisted as the tournament began, but the side showed a steely mentality and grew as the competition progressed. Messi was in inspired form, but new stars began to emerge.

Martinez looked the part as an elite No 9. De Paul became the axis in Argentina’s midfield with clean distribution and tireless running. Central defenders Cristian Romero and Otamendi provided a solid defensive wall in front of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who became a hero after he saved three penalties in an emotional semi-final shootout win over Colombia.

Argentina’s dream was alive, but Brazil had looked like a juggernaut in the group stage and knockout rounds. It seemed more likely that history would repeat itself at the Maracana, the same venue where Germany defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in 2014. A fifth consecutive finals loss for Messi would further damage his reputation at the international level.

The tables turned, however, as Argentina earned a hard-fought 1-0 win that shocked the Brazilians.

Lionel Messi celebrates winning the Copa America against Brazil in 2021 (Photo: Gustavo Pagano via Getty Images)

Messi had finally won the title that he so desperately needed, and desired. An elated Messi told reporters after the match that he had dreamed of this moment, and that for years, his family had suffered each loss alongside him. The family’s summer holidays began with a melancholy mood. “This time it’ll be different,” he said.

And it was different. The streets of Buenos Aires erupted with joy. The entire country embraced Scaloni, and his previously unproven group of players, as national treasures. Argentina’s first cup win since 1993 was hailed as an improbable feat against unprecedented odds.

“We’re still not conscious of the fact that we’re champions, of what we’ve just accomplished,” Messi told reporters from the Maracana. “But I think that this match will be remembered as something historic, not only because we became South American champions, but because we beat Brazil in Brazil.”

During that celebratory moment, Messi urged his team-mates and the country to take advantage of the momentum that had been created. This was the future of the national team, Messi said, which felt like a preemptive passing of the torch. The high of winning a Copa America carried through during the South American World Cup qualifiers as they cruised undefeated towards Qatar.

The sentiment towards the national team had officially changed.

“The support from the fans makes you feel more comfortable on the pitch,” Aguero told TyC Sports from Doha days before the World Cup draw in April. “Before we won the Copa America, when I played, (fans) were virtually silent during our matches. Now it’s like a party. A player falls down and everybody starts laughing.”

Argentina’s home qualifiers had the energy of a rock concert. Messi was the front man whose skills, goals and assists delighted the thousands of singing fans. Argentina had fallen back in love with him and their national team.

After Argentina sealed their World Cup qualification on March 25 with a 3-0 win over Venezuela, the sellout crowd at Boca Juniors’ Estadio La Bombonera stayed long after the final whistle to honor the players and staff that would compete for the ultimate prize in Qatar.

Amid blaring trumpets and chanting fans, Messi spoke about the magnitude of the moment and his own transformation.

“Lately here in Argentina, this is what we expected. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the fans,” said Messi from the pitch. “It’s been this way over this period of time, the unity between the national team and our people.”

Messi continued.

“I’ve been happy here even before we won the Copa (America). We have a wonderful group and the fans continue to show how much they care about me. I’m grateful. I experience it every time I come to Argentina, and more so after winning that trophy.”

During the September FIFA window, Argentina played before screaming fans in Miami and New Jersey in wins over Honduras and Jamaica. They were friendly matches, but the energy inside both stadiums, like in Buenos Aires during World Cup qualifying, made the players feel like rock stars. “We’re so happy with the connection that we have with our fans,” said De Paul from Miami.

Argentina’s last loss was that 2019 Copa America semi-final against Brazil. They’ll begin the World Cup in Group C against Saudi Arabia riding a 36-game unbeaten streak. Scaloni went from unsung interim manager to a pop culture star in Argentina. Fans on social media created a nickname, La Scaloneta, which is best described as an unstoppable hype train that’s destined for glory.

La Scaloneta has become such a big part of Argentina’s recent sporting culture, that fans often refer to the manager by his nickname. Scaloni isn’t keen about his newfound fame, but it’s unavoidable at this point.

In November several fans spotted the manager at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport and shouted “Scaloneta!” as they took selfies with him. A smiling Scaloni told a nearby reporter, “I’m Scaloni. I don’t like it, but there’s no turning back.”

Four years ago in Russia, Argentina’s national team was at a point of no return. Messi’s legacy was in jeopardy and winning a World Cup seemed impossible for him. Now, Argentina are among the favorites to win the World Cup in Qatar.

And after years of disappointment and destructive criticism, the team is beloved again. But even deeply rooted love can be broken. The world will soon find out if Argentina’s storybook rise will have a feelgood ending.

(Top photo: Gustavo Pagano via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

Felipe Cardenas is a staff writer for The Athletic who covers MLS, the Mexican National Team, media and international soccer. Follow Felipe on Twitter @FelipeCar

His legacy is seen in his consistent excellence, leadership in victories such as Copa America, and the joy he brings to fans and fellow players.

Some debates remain about whether winning the World Cup cements Messi as the greatest of all time, as legends like Pelé and Maradona are also revered globally.

Title:

Content: Messi’s place in history assured regardless of outcome of final

What you need to know:

To some it’s not clear whether Messi landing a World Cup title on Sunday will settle this ‘greatest ever’ debate. Your columnist, however, reckons that not even a win for La Albiceleste on Sunday will sway things in Messi's favour. With all due respect, Pelé and Diego Maradona—in that order—are in their own orbit. And, from the looks of it, will be for a pretty long time.

The tone of most observers ahead of tomorrow's Fifa World Cup final is certain and prescriptive. The laboured attempt of Leo Messi's teammates at football stardom has been largely deemed a regrettable disaster.

Such observers clinch their argument by pointing out how decisive Messi has been in securing La Albiceleste a date with France's Les Bleus.

And, lest we forget, he has been; the penalty miss against Poland notwithstanding. By walking on water, Messi has invited comparisons; he with Jesus, his teammates with the disciples.

La Albiceleste’s demigod has gone about business in the Qatari Desert—much like Jesus did across 40 days in the Judaean Desert—with a wonderfully infectious enthusiasm and single-mindedness.

Messi has successfully fought battles and temptations in recent weeks. It didn’t seem to occur to him that other players in Argentina's squad were scarcely at ease with themselves (à la Lautaro Martínez).

After the shock loss that Saudi Arabia inflicted, there was reason to believe—or, at least, to hope—that the little Argentine's swansong World Cup would go down extremely badly. Now—with the finale upon us—observers sense, presumably, that even those whose faith wavers in Messi, will remain apostles of the messianic role of Messi.

There is a latent danger though in elevating a single match to the realm of that that is career defining. There are those who are desirous of using the 2022 World Cup final as a referendum on the long-running Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo showdown. Messi, they add, can only lay down the gauntlet if he ends up a World Cup winner.

This shouldn’t be the case. By now, it should be readily apparent to lovers of the beautiful game that Messi long established himself as the greatest player of his generation.

Not even Ronaldo can lace his boots. Heck, no living player can manage to take two different sets of Argentine outfits acutely aware of their own inadequacies to a World Cup final.

Yet that is a sliver of what makes Messi such a juggernaut. The question as to whether his guile and feats—both so sweeping in scope—are deserving of the GOAT (greatest of all time) acronym ought to be carefully weighed.

To some it’s not clear whether Messi landing a World Cup title on Sunday will settle this ‘greatest ever’ debate. Your columnist, however, reckons that not even a win for La Albiceleste on Sunday will sway things in Messi's favour. With all due respect, Pelé and Diego Maradona—in that order—are in their own orbit.

And, from the looks of it, will be for a pretty long time.
The feats both legends pulled off will quite honestly take a beating. Pelé in particular was such a colossus.

The first of his three world titles arrived in 1958 after the Brazilian—aged just 17–scored a hat-trick in the semifinal and a brace in the final for good measure. Pelé was not just a scorer of goals, but also a cerebral presence as his involvement in 53 percent of the 19 goals Seleção Canarinho scored en route to winning the 1970 World Cup title showed.

Elsewhere, the superlatives used to describe what Maradona produced on the pitch were richly merited. The 1986 World Cup feat was stratospheric in every sense of the word not least because Maradona pulled it off with an Argentina side shorn of star dust.

It's highly unlikely that a win for Messi on Sunday will be adequate to topple Maradona in the pantheon of the all-time greats.

Whatever the outcome (and it should not be forgotten that La Albiceleste comes up against a talented Les Bleus side, with Kylian Mbappé keen to stamp his mark), nothing should be taken away from Messi. What he has achieved on the international scene has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Welcome!

You're all set to enjoy unlimited Prime content.

Regardless of such debates, Messi’s place in football history is indisputably secure.