Messi tells business confce that he's not focused on legacy yet
Friday, 7 November 2025
MIAMI, Nov 06 (AP): Lionel Messi already is considered the greatest soccer player ever. That said, he thinks there's still more for him to accomplish.
The Inter Miami star told a business conference on Wednesday that there will be a time to reflect on what he's done in his soccer life. But those days, he said, won't happen until he retires, and given that he has a contract to continue playing through 2028 that may not be anytime soon.
"It's not something I've thought about or worried about," Messi said in Spanish, when asked about his legacy. "When I retire, as the years go by, obviously I'll value everything I did in my career and what I achieved professionally much more. But today is the time to keep enjoying myself and to keep playing."
Messi, the World Cup champion for Argentina and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, was the final speaker on the first day of the America Business Summit - following the likes of President Donald Trump, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
He was interviewed by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who presented Messi with a ceremonial key to the city when their talk was complete. Messi - speaking in an arena mostly filled by business executives - got several loud ovations, with many people grabbing photos and video on their phones while he spoke.
"It is spectacular, my first time living in this incredible city," Messi said. "The affection of all the people from the first day, it was impressive and today is yet another example of the welcome. ... I'm very grateful." Suarez asked Messi about what it was like to lead Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022. The US, Canada and Mexico will play host to the World Cup next summer, when Argentina will aim to defend its title.
"As a player, winning the World Cup, I think it's the best," Messi said. "After the World Cup, you can't ask for anything more." Messi joined Inter Miami midway through 2023, won the Major League Soccer MVP award last year and is a heavy favorite to become the league's first back-to-back MVP this season.