"I Fought My Whole Life for This Dream"

Original article from France Football, published in 2023.

This Ballon d'Or seems to be the culmination of your World Cup title with Argentina, whereas your previous awards were tied to your success with Barcelona. How do you see it?

I spent almost my entire career at Barça, where I was fortunate enough to win everything: numerous La Liga titles (10) and several Champions Leagues (4). However, not winning anything with the national team was like a thorn in my side. But in recent years, I finally managed to win major titles like the Copa América in 2021 and now the World Cup. This Ballon d'Or is a wonderful recognition for me, but also for this group of players. I'm also happy to share it with the people of Argentina.

The World Cup didn't start as planned, with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. How did you recover from that initial setback?

It was a very tough moment because we didn't expect to start the tournament that way. We were on a 36-match unbeaten streak and, on paper, we were expected to win that game, even though I've always respected all our opponents. I won't hide it, that defeat was a heavy blow. We knew that another draw or loss would send us home. On top of that, there was a lot of expectation around us, and we were considered one of the favorites. So, we went through a few difficult days leading up to the match against Mexico (a 2-0 win), where we had to pick ourselves up and get back on track.

Heading into that second match, were you feeling confident or under immense pressure?

There was a lot of uncertainty. Even though we were confident in our strengths, the poor result created doubt and nervousness. Another misstep and it was over. We told ourselves we had to get back to our game, to what had brought us success over the previous months and years. Just because we lost one match didn't mean we had to question everything. We knew what we had to do to turn things around. Still, the pressure was immense, and you could feel it during the match, whether we liked it or not. That is, until the goal came (scored by Messi in the 64th minute). After that, the team rediscovered its identity. We started playing with composure and patience again. That match was a crucial step for us.

Another key moment was the quarter-final against the Netherlands (2-2, 4-3 on penalties), which was heated before, during, and after the match. What was that like?

In the days leading up to it, they (the Dutch) started making statements and trying to provoke us, especially their coach (Louis van Gaal) and the player who spoke at the press conference (Memphis Depay). And it was a World Cup quarter-final, a huge match between Argentina and the Netherlands. There were some strange situations during the game, with some of their players showing unsportsmanlike behavior, particularly during the penalty shootout. After the match, some tried to paint Argentina as the villain, but a lot happened that night... In those moments of tension, everyone reacts in their own way, but the rivalry should stay on the pitch.

But it spilled over afterwards, and everyone remembers what you said to Wout Weghorst ("Qué miras bobo?" or "What are you looking at, fool?"). We're not used to seeing you like that.

It was because of everything that happened before and during the match. They talked a lot beforehand, and some people only focused on my reaction. I admit I didn't like seeing myself act that way, but those are tense moments, and things like that can happen.

In the final, you faced France, the reigning world champions who had knocked you out four years earlier in the round of 16 (3-4). And you delivered a masterclass. Was that your best-ever match in an Argentina shirt?

Of course, given what was at stake—the fact that it was a World Cup final—it was particularly special. For nearly eighty minutes, we played at an extraordinary level. We completely dominated France. We controlled the ball and played exactly the way we wanted. But then they made it 2-1 (80'), and equalized right after on a quick counter (81'). It's a shame because, even though we ultimately became world champions, we deserved to win it in regular time.

"When I scored to make it 3-2, I thought it was over."

What went through your mind when Kylian Mbappé equalized? Did you think your dream might slip away again, after losing the 2014 final to Germany?

No, that never crossed my mind. We had real confidence in ourselves. Deep down, I was convinced we were going to be world champions, no matter what. The equalizer was a tough blow, but we had already been through the same scenario against the Netherlands. Instead of collapsing, the team put in another very strong performance in extra time. Of course, it's terrible to concede like that late in the game, but we managed to stay calm.

Extra time was completely wild, with chances for both sides. You put Argentina back in front (108'), but France equalized with a penalty from Mbappé (118'), and then Emiliano Martínez made a legendary save to deny Randal Kolo Muani at the very end. How did you experience all those emotions?

When I scored to make it 3-2, I thought to myself that this time, it was over. I thought we were going to be world champions and that nothing else could happen because there wasn't much time left. But then France equalized from a penalty, and then there was "Dibu's" save... It all happened so fast, I didn't get a good view from where I was. Especially since right after the save, we immediately launched a counter-attack. Honestly, I didn't fully realize what had happened in the moment. It was only later, watching the replays, that I understood just how decisive "Dibu" had been.

What did you feel when your teammate Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty?

A thousand things went through my head... It's hard to explain what you feel at that moment. It was important for me to acknowledge my family in the stands, to share that with them. I told them, "That's it, that's it!" after waiting so long for this moment. I fought my whole life for this dream. It was my dream, but also my family's, my friends', and all of Argentina's. I thought, "Okay, I've won everything." When I saw the World Cup trophy on the stage, I couldn't believe it was ours, that we were world champions. It was the first time I had the chance to touch it, and I instantly wanted to kiss it. I wanted to savor every second of that moment.

After losing three finals (the 2014 World Cup, and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América) and the elimination by France in 2018, had you lost hope?

Yes, of course. I even decided to retire from the national team at one point [after the 2016 Copa América final loss to Chile]. I went through a very, very difficult period then. Because beyond that disappointment, that group of players, that generation, did not deserve to be treated the way they were. I think we should have been given more credit for reaching two Copa America finals and a World Cup final. But at that time, the only thing that mattered to people was winning. I believe the criticism we received was over the top. It just wasn't our time to be champions yet.

Messi's Bio

Born: June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.
Height/Weight: 1.69m (5'7"); 72kg (159 lbs).
International Career: 178 caps, 106 goals for Argentina.
Career Path: FC Barcelona (Spain), 2004–2021. Paris Saint-Germain (France), August 2021–June 2023. Inter Miami (USA), since July 2023.
2022-2023 Season Stats: 54 matches, 38 goals, 25 assists.
Major Honors: FIFA World Cup in 2022, Finalissima in 2022, Copa América in 2021 and 2024, Olympic Games in 2008, FIFA Club World Cup in 2009, 2011 and 2015, UEFA Champions League in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015, UEFA Super Cup in 2009, 2011 and 2015, La Liga in 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019, Ligue 1 in 2022 and 2023, Copa del Rey in 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2021, Supercopa de España in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016 and 2018, Trophée des Champions in 2022, Leagues Cup in 2023, Ballon d'Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023.

What made the difference in 2022, allowing you to go all the way?

We played at an extraordinary level in the final, but if Emiliano Martinez hadn't made that save at the end, we would have lost. In 2014, 2015, and 2016, we were the better team in the finals we played, yet we couldn't manage to win. This time, the story ended differently because it was meant to be, because it was written that Argentina would become world champions at that moment. In the previous tournaments we discussed, we did everything right. We have no regrets.

"My first thought was always to go home to Barcelona"

Last summer, you were back on the market after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain. How did you make your decision?

I thought about what was best for me and my family at that moment. Becoming a world champion and achieving all the goals I had set for myself in my career allowed me to think beyond the sporting aspect. I could also consider the well-being of my whole family and enjoy things from a different perspective. It was a decision we made together, calmly.

Barcelona was your home for many years, so there was a lot of talk about a return, but it didn't happen. Why not?

I could have gone back to Barça, but it wasn't possible. When I had to leave the club [in 2021], that's just how it happened. This time, it was similar, although the circumstances were different. My first thought was always to go home, to be able to play at Barcelona again and retire there, just as I had always dreamed. But it wasn't possible. So, we made the decision to come here [to Inter Miami].

What do you think of the current Barcelona team?

I still follow them, of course, I watch the matches, just like I did when I was in Paris. I think the team has evolved well since Xavi's arrival, with a mix of excellent young players and experienced ones like Robert Lewandowski and Jules Koundé, who have been playing professionally for a while. The young players have a fantastic level. It's a great team with a real chance to compete for everything this year.

"We feel good here in Miami. We enjoy daily life more."

Did you consider other options before signing with Inter Miami?

To be honest, I had many different offers on the table. Barcelona, but also other European clubs, and Saudi Arabia... But in the end, we chose to come to Miami. It's a decision we're happy with because we feel good here. We enjoy daily life with my family more than before. We can do a lot more things together, and I can share moments with my wife and children that I used to miss. Miami is a spectacular city with a great climate. Plus, some friends and former teammates [Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets] have joined me. So, everything is great!

Having played in Spain and France, how do you rate the level of MLS?

It's a very physical league with a lot of young talent. In recent years, MLS has grown tremendously and has great potential to continue growing. I've played few league matches [6 games, 1 goal, 2 assists] because we were competing in the Leagues Cup (10 goals, 1 assist in 7 games), which included Mexican teams. Also, there weren't many games left when I arrived, and I got injured in the meantime. I'm really looking forward to starting the league from scratch next season and enjoying it.

So you've definitively turned the page on European football?

Yes, I think so. Thank God, I was lucky enough to have an extraordinary career. I won everything I dreamed of in Europe, where I played for many years. Now that I've taken this step by coming here to the United States, I don't think I'll ever go back to playing in Europe. Of course, I'll miss playing in the Champions League or La Liga for the rest of my life—matches with a special flavor. But I enjoyed them as much as I could, so I don't feel any frustration.

How are you feeling physically, and how much longer do you see yourself playing?

I feel good. I've always said that I don't think about the future; I take it one day at a time. I feel good physically. I'm going to have a few months off. I've never been sidelined for this long in my career. I'll resume training in January to get back in shape during the preseason in order to achieve the goals we have here at the club, but also to prepare for the Copa America (from June 20th to July 16th). I don't know how much longer I'll play. I want to continue until I feel I can't go on anymore, until my physical condition no longer allows me to play the way I'd like. Time will tell.

"The 2026 World Cup? Knowing how old I'll be then (39), it seems difficult. But we'll see."

Once your football career is over, do you already have a plan?

In principle, we'll go back to live in Barcelona. It's our home, where we have our routines, our friends. Whether it's my wife, my children, or me. But I have no idea what I'll do at the moment. I haven't thought about it yet, and I don't want to. I want to enjoy my last years as a footballer, doing what I've always loved since I was a child. And when I hang up my boots, I'll probably find my next path. Coaching? I don't think so, but it's almost certainly something related to football because it's my whole life.

What does the Ballon d'Or represent for you in your life and career?

The Ballon d'Or is obviously a very beautiful award for everything it signifies, for its prestige. But I've always said that, for me, the most important thing is team awards. And I was fortunate enough to win every possible title at Barcelona, ​​then with Argentina, and that's what matters most to me. To have been able to finish my career in Europe with all those trophies is incredible. In any case, the Ballon d'Or is a special and very beautiful award.

Do you remember each one of the eight you won?

Obviously, I remember the times I was awarded, but honestly, I'm terrible with dates. If you mention a specific moment, a match, or a particular play, of course I remember it, but if you just ask me, it's difficult... Of course, I remember my first four Ballon d'Or awards for what they meant at the time, the fact that I managed to win four in a row (between 2009 and 2012). Then, I remember the 2015 one, which followed an impressive season at Barça, with Luis Enrique as coach, during which we won the Champions League again with an extraordinary team. We had a lot of fun that year, and I have fond memories of it.

How did you react to the announcement of the first one, in 2009?

As it was my first, it was a special joy to have finally won the award. I remember the organization was different compared to today. There wasn't a gala like there is now; the presentation was part of a television program. I came to Paris with my brothers, but there weren't all these invited players like there are today.

Fourteen years have passed since you won your first Ballon d'Or, and you've now won eight in your twenty-year career, practically one every two years. Does this consistency make you proud?

I think it reflects my mentality and my motivation, this desire to push myself further every day and try to win new titles. I've always said that I love to win and that I'm allergic to losing. I've always made sure to be competitive and give my best, to prepare, live, and train thinking almost exclusively about football, because I enjoy playing, I love it, it's what I dreamed of since I was little, and I've given everything in my career for it.

For many years, you and Cristiano Ronaldo had a fierce battle for the Ballon d'Or. You have three more than him, it's been over for a long time...

It was a very good "battle" on a sporting level. We fed off this rivalry, because we are both very competitive. He, too, always wanted to win everything, all the time. It was a very enjoyable period for both of us and for everyone who loves football. I think we deserve a lot of credit for having managed to stay at the top for so long. It's extremely difficult to stay at the top for ten, fifteen years. It was a fantastic period, and I think it remains a great memory for everyone who followed us.

Do you think this eighth Ballon d'Or will be your last, or do you still dream of a ninth?

I stopped thinking about it a while ago... Even though I'm happy with everything I've achieved in my career and being the only player with eight Ballon d'Or awards.

Your last Ballon d'Or is also linked to your performances with Paris Saint-Germain. However, things weren't always rosy during your two seasons in France, between your difficult adaptation, the boos from some of the fans, and the early eliminations from the Champions League. What's your assessment of your time at PSG?

In Paris, I spent two years during which many things happened, some good and some not so good. But I've already talked about this period several times; it's now in the past, and I only remember the positive things: with the team, we won two league titles in a row, whereas the previous season another team had been champion (Lille, in 2021). Furthermore, I made some very good friends in Paris, and it was playing there that I became a world champion."