{"id":9342,"date":"2025-04-18T05:22:06","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T05:22:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/?p=9342"},"modified":"2025-04-18T05:23:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T05:23:03","slug":"ive-won-it-all-ive-achieved-everything-leo-messi-reflects-on-career-rivalries-and-future-ambitions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/ive-won-it-all-ive-achieved-everything-leo-messi-reflects-on-career-rivalries-and-future-ambitions","title":{"rendered":"&#8220;I&#8217;ve won it all, I&#8217;ve achieved everything&#8221; &#8211; Leo Messi Reflects on Career, Rivalries, and Future Ambitions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In an insightful interview tonight, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/lionel-messi-874\">Lionel Messi<\/a> opened up on a variety of topics ranging from his career highlights, his deep gratitude for what he&#8217;s achieved, to his thoughts on the future of football and his personal aspirations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On the Rivalry with Mexico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked about the perceived rivalry with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/mexico-5106\">Mexico<\/a>, Messi expressed confusion. &#8220;The truth is I don\u2019t know what happened with Mexico, when did this rivalry start. I always felt very loved by Mexico, I never disrespected anyone,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;I think they put themselves in a position of having a rivalry with us that doesn\u2019t really exist.&#8221; Messi\u2019s comments suggest a desire for clarity and peace, especially in the context of Argentina&#8217;s strong ties with Mexico and his personal connection with its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-71289671-1024x690.jpg\" alt=\"LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JUNE 24: Lionel Messi of Argentina is put under pressure by Zinha, Gerardo Torrado and Gonzalo Pineda of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Mexico played at the Zentralstadion on June 24, 2006 in Leipzig, Germany. \" class=\"wp-image-9343\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Clive Mason\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No Comparisons Between Argentina and Mexico<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuing on the topic of rivalries, Messi firmly stated, &#8220;The comparison between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/argentina-2378\">Argentina<\/a> and Mexico doesn&#8217;t exist.&#8221; His remarks emphasize the unique footballing cultures of both nations, with Argentina having its own distinct history and style of play that cannot be compared to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Completing Football&#8217;s Ultimate Achievement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having conquered the world of football, Messi reflected on his incredible journey and the crowning achievement of winning the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/league\/fifa-world-cup-5930\">World Cup<\/a>. &#8220;I can&#8217;t ask for anything anymore. I was missing the World Cup. I&#8217;ve won it all, I&#8217;ve achieved everything,&#8221; Messi stated, showing his contentment with his legacy. The World Cup victory with Argentina was the missing piece in his illustrious career, and it now stands as the pinnacle of his sporting accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1450108664-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy  during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. \" class=\"wp-image-7466\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Julian Finney\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pep Guardiola\u2019s Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Messi spoke highly of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/pep-guardiola-46115\">Pep Guardiola<\/a>, his former coach at Barcelona, highlighting the transformative impact he had on football. &#8220;Pep Guardiola is from another world. He\u2019s different, he sees things no one else does. He changed football,&#8221; Messi said. &#8220;Everyone wanted to copy us. In fact, he kind of did harm to football, because people tried to play like our Barcelona. But we were a special team\u2026 that midfield Xavi, Busi, Iniesta, everything was perfect between players and coach.&#8221; This tribute underscores Messi&#8217;s deep admiration for Guardiola&#8217;s visionary leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"715\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-98656280-715x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola talks with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi during their Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Jerez on April 24, 2010 at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP PHOTO\/LLUIS GENE.\" class=\"wp-image-9344\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Competitive Spirit and Future Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite everything he has achieved, Messi&#8217;s competitive drive remains as strong as ever. &#8220;There is no doubt that I will continue to compete. This nature will never leave me, because this is part of me. I love winning and competing,&#8221; Messi stated, reaffirming that his passion for the game is undiminished. As for his future, Messi hinted at contemplating his decision regarding the 2026 World Cup, admitting, &#8220;This year will be important to see what I decide regarding the 2026 World Cup. I would lie if I told you I&#8217;m not thinking about that.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Barcelona and the Past<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Messi also reflected on his time at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/team\/fc-barcelona-132\">Barcelona<\/a>, his desire to return, and his eventual departure. &#8220;I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it wasn\u2019t possible again. After that, it became a family decision,&#8221; he revealed. The decision to leave Barcelona was a difficult one, but Messi made it clear that he didn\u2019t want to play for another European team. &#8220;I didn\u2019t want to go to any of them,&#8221; he added, underscoring his loyalty to Barcelona and his deep connection to the club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lamine Yamal: The Next Big Talent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Messi also praised the young talent emerging from Spain, specifically <a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/lamine-yamal-131182\">Lamine Yamal<\/a>, who has already made a name for himself at just 17. &#8220;Impressive what Lamine Yamal shows, what he\u2019s doing, and what he\u2019s already done,&#8221; Messi said. &#8220;He\u2019s already been a Euro champion with Spain. He\u2019s still only 17, he\u2019s in a growth process, and he\u2019ll continue to grow as a player and add things to his game, just like I did.&#8221; Messi\u2019s comments reflect his belief in Yamal\u2019s potential to be one of the best players in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GettyImages-2203986245-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Barcelona, Spain - March 11: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona controls the ball defended by SL Benfica players during the UEFA Champions League 2024\/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and SL Benfica at Estadi Ol\u00edmpic Llu\u00eds Companys on March 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. \" class=\"wp-image-8818\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Xavi Bonilla\/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On His Kids\u2019 Football Preferences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When asked about the players his children admire, Messi mentioned a number of global football stars: &#8220;Mbapp\u00e9, Vinicius, Yamal, Lewandowski, Haaland&#8230;&#8221; It\u2019s clear that Messi\u2019s children are following in his footsteps, with a keen interest in the world\u2019s top talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 2014 World Cup and Mbapp\u00e9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Messi couldn\u2019t help but reflect on his own heartbreak in the 2014 World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Germany. &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/en-us\/football\/player\/kylian-mbappe-39820\">Mbapp\u00e9<\/a> has the peace of mind that he won the 2018 World Cup. Even though it\u2019s crazy, what he did in the final, scored four goals and still didn\u2019t become champion,&#8221; Messi said. &#8220;The same thing happened to me in 2014, it was torture for me. You also look back and think, \u2018I could\u2019ve won two.\u2019&#8221; Messi\u2019s empathetic remark illustrates the mental toll of World Cup heartbreak, something that both he and Mbapp\u00e9 have experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.365scores.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/GettyImages-1450254230-1024x700.jpg\" alt=\"LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina, Kylian Mbappe of France during the penalty shootout of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Jean Catuffe\/Getty Images)\" class=\"wp-image-9345\" style=\"width:838px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">(Photo by Jean Catuffe\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On Penalty Shootouts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Messi also revealed his approach to penalty shootouts, sharing an inside look into his mindset during high-pressure moments. &#8220;I always tried to go first in penalty shootouts, to take the full responsibility, and I always did that. I wasn\u2019t thinking about where to shoot against Lloris, it was about waiting until the last moment. I waited for him, he moved, but I was very calm.&#8221; Messi\u2019s calmness under pressure is a testament to his experience and mental fortitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legacy and Gratitude<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, Messi reflected on his career and the satisfaction of having achieved everything in football. &#8220;Being able to say that I\u2019ve achieved everything in football is something truly valuable,&#8221; he concluded, leaving no doubt that his journey has been one of fulfillment, dedication, and greatness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Messi continues to write his story, his legacy as one of football&#8217;s greatest players is already cemented. His reflections tonight show a man at peace with his extraordinary achievements, while still driven by a passion for the game and a love for competition. The world eagerly awaits his next move\u2014whether it\u2019s on the pitch or as he contemplates his future goals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an insightful interview tonight, Lionel Messi opened up on a variety of topics ranging from his career highlights, his deep gratitude for what he&#8217;s achieved, to his thoughts on the future of football and his personal aspirations. On the Rivalry with Mexico When asked about the perceived rivalry with Mexico, Messi expressed confusion. &#8220;The &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":9346,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[266,1126,146,162,273,1287,159,138,96,158,3432,108],"class_list":["post-9342","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-soccer","tag-argentina","tag-champions-league","tag-fc-barcelona","tag-fifa-world-cup","tag-laliga","tag-lamine-yamal","tag-lionel-messi","tag-mbappe","tag-mls","tag-pep-guardiola","tag-rosario","tag-soccer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9342","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9342"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9342\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.365scores.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}