Lionel Messi crowned ‘Greatest of All Time’
Lionel Messi crowned ‘Greatest of All Time’. Popular Spanish sports outlet MARCA has officially crowned Lionel Messi as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT), recognizing his unparalleled achievements and legacy in football.
Inorder to personally deliver the prestigious honor to Messi himself, MARCA’s director/CEO Juan Ignacio Gallardo embarked on a special trip to Miami, where Messi now plays his club football with Inter Miami CF.
At Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium, Gallardo presented Messi with a gleaming trophy that symbolized not only his records, but also the joy and magic he has brought to millions of fans worldwide. Messi, surrounded by family, teammates, and club officials, accepted the award humbly, with the same grace that has defined his career.
Reacting after been recognized with such feat, Messi said;
“It’s an incredible honor,” he said.
“Football has given me everything, and to be recognized this way, especially by a country that became my second home during my time at Barcelona, is very special.”
Ignacio Gallardo also spoke at the event, praising Messi’s incredible and illustrious career;
“We are here not only to acknowledge the numbers, the records, and the trophies but to celebrate the passion, humility, and joy Messi has brought to fans around the world. There is no debate – he is the GOAT.”
Messi’s journey from the streets of Rosario, Argentina, to becoming the best player the world has ever seen, is a story of relentless dedication. Over a 20-year career, he has amassed countless of awe-inspiring collection of trophies, such as:
- 8 Ballon d’Ors (the most ever)
- 4 Champions League titles
- 10 La Liga titles
- World Cup winner with Argentina (2022)
- Copa America winner with Argentina (2021, 2024)
His crowning moment came in Qatar 2022, when he guided Argentina to their 3rd World cup title, cementing his legacy and place, as a footballing legend.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has once again proven his brilliance and leadership by guiding the club to its first-ever Leagues Cup victory and inspiring a new generation of fans in the United States.
The city of Miami and America at large has so far embraced Messi as one of their own, with his arrival marking the beginning of a new era in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Messi also took to opportunity to thank and dedicate the award to his fans, teammates, coaches, and those whom have supported him throughout his career.
“This award isn’t just for me,” Messi said.
“It’s for all the teammates, coaches, and fans who supported me throughout my career. I couldn’t have achieved any of this without them.”
As the cameras flashed and Miami’s fans roared in celebration, Gallardo summed it up best:
“There may be other great players, but there will only ever be one Lionel Messi.”
