Lionel Messi was the first to receive the MARCA America Award, given by a Spanish media company, as reported by The Associated Press. This award honors Messi’s incredible career, during which he has won a record 46 trophies for both his clubs and Argentina, along with over 56 individual awards.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” Messi said in Spanish during an event at Inter Miami’s home field, Chase Stadium. “We’ve had many beautiful moments, but there have also been tough times. In 20 years, not everything is perfect. You can’t win all the time.”
For Messi, his proudest achievement is winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, which solidified his place as one of the greatest players in football history. However, the 37-year-old superstar has won many other titles and still feels motivated to win more. Just like with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has already helped Inter Miami secure a trophy since joining them in July 2023.
Despite being limited to 18 MLS games this season due to an ankle injury and international duties, Messi has scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists, helping Miami win the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Thanks to this, Miami will have home-field advantage in the upcoming MLS Cup playoffs.
“I achieved the ultimate goal, the World Cup,” Messi said after scoring three goals and making two assists in Argentina‘s 6-0 victory over Bolivia in a recent World Cup qualifier. “It’s the trophy every player dreams of when they start playing, and I managed to fulfill that dream. We won many titles in Barcelona and Paris, and now we’re here, aiming for another one with Inter Miami.”
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of next season. After his recent strong performance, it looks like Messi may continue to play for Argentina through the next World Cup cycle.
“I still love this sport deeply, and I will keep pushing to win more titles,” Messi said. “At this level, you have to appreciate and enjoy each day.”
Inter Miami has one more regular-season game at home on Saturday against New England. If they win, Miami will set a new MLS record for the most points in a single season, surpassing the previous record of 72 points set by New England in 2021.
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