Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi added one more accolade to his legendary profession on Thursday, turning into the inaugural recipient of the MARCA America Award, introduced by the Spain-based media outlet.
The award honors Messi’s storied journey, one highlighted by a record-breaking 46 trophies throughout membership and nation, and greater than 56 particular person honors.
“It has been quite the journey,” the Argentine superstar said in Spanish during a moderated question-and-answer session at DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami’s home field. “We have skilled so many lovely issues but additionally difficult moments. In 20 years, not every little thing is gorgeous. You can’t win on a regular basis.”
For Messi, no title shines brighter than the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, which helped cement his legacy among the many sport’s best gamers.
However, the 37-year-old has gained loads and nonetheless feels the drive to proceed including titles.
Like his success with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has already helped Inter Miami win {hardware} since becoming a member of the MLS membership in July 2023.
Although restricted to 18 MLS matches this season as a result of an ankle harm and nationwide workforce commitments, Messi has recorded 17 targets and 15 assists, serving to lead Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Miami can have home-field benefit all through the MLS Cup playoffs, which start subsequent week.
“I was able to achieve the biggest prize, which is the World Cup,” said Messi, who had three goals and two assists in Argentina’s 6-0 win over Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. “It’s the trophy all of us dream of once we begin enjoying, and I managed to meet that dream. We gained many titles in Barcelona, Paris. Now we’re right here with the target of combating exhausting for an additional title.”
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs by means of subsequent season. After his current standout efficiency on Tuesday, he could stay energized for his commitments with Argentina by means of the subsequent World Cup cycle.
“I still have a deep love for this sport, and I will continue to aspire to win more titles,” Messi said. “At this stage, you must get pleasure from issues daily.”
Inter Miami has one regular-season match left, at dwelling on Saturday towards New England. If Miami wins, it will set the MLS single-season factors report with 72, surpassing New England’s 2021 mark.
Source: www.dailysabah.com