I won everything in football – Messi

Argentina star Leo Messi has reflected on his extraordinary career, admitting that he never imagined achieving everything he has in football.

Speaking in an interview with Apple TV ahead of the new MLS season, the Inter Miami star expressed gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind and praised the growing football culture in the United States.

“It was an incredible journey—one I never imagined I would have. My only goal was to become a professional footballer and play the game I love. From a very young age, I enjoyed competing, and I’m truly grateful for everything football has given me. I was lucky enough to win everything, both with my clubs and the national team, as well as individual honours.

“Even I wouldn’t have asked for this much,” Messi admitted. “Life has given me everything, and I’m just grateful for the career I’ve had and the life I’ve been given.”

In a wide-ranging interview, Messi also looked back on his childhood in Rosario, the “very tough” decision to leave Argentina for Barcelona at just 12 years old, his difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain, and the happiness he now enjoys as the leader of Inter Miami in MLS.

He revealed that playing in the United States had always been on his mind. “I always had the idea of playing in MLS. I said it more than once—it was something that interested me. The opportunity to join Inter Miami came at the right moment, especially after my last few years in Paris. Those were two years I didn’t enjoy—I wasn’t happy day to day,” he admitted.

Messi also recalled the culture shock of leaving his childhood behind in Rosario, where he would spend long hours playing football in the streets with friends. “I had an amazing childhood. I was always outside with my friends, playing football or whatever we could. We stayed out late—it was a different time. Nowadays, things are more complicated and more dangerous.

“Moving to Barcelona was a huge change for me because I didn’t find what I was used to in my daily life.” He added that he now fully realises the enormity of that decision when he looks at his eldest son, Thiago. “Thiago is about to turn 12, and when I think that I left Argentina at that age, even though I was with my family, it’s hard to imagine him going through the same thing. It was a tough change for me, but at the same time, it was what I wanted.”

Messi believes Inter Miami has been built to “win trophies” and described their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in June as “hugely important”. “It’s massive for the club to take part in its first Club World Cup here in the U.S. Having two MLS teams involved is a great achievement. Everything that’s happening is a chance for the league to keep growing,” he said.

Finally, the Argentinian legend made it clear that he is not thinking about the future just yet. “I feel great—I’m enjoying where I am, what I do, my daily routine, training, matches, my friends, my family, and going back to Argentina. I appreciate everything much more than when I was younger, even the little things I didn’t use to notice. I’ve never been someone who thinks too far ahead—I’ve always lived in the present. I don’t plan anything in advance,” he concluded.