Lionel Messi
is the best soccer player in history and every year he adds scrolls on the pitch, like the title he won for the first time on December 18 at the
World Cup in Qatar
.
He also accumulates recognitions off the pitch, such as the one awarded to him this week by the American magazine
Time
, which included him in its list of
the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023
.
In its twentieth edition, the prestigious magazine also decided that
Roger Federer
was the author of the article that talks about Leo and details the reasons for including him on
the list that recognizes the impact, innovation and achievements
of the most influential people in the world.
"Lionel Messi's goalscoring records and championship victories need not be recounted here.
What strikes me about the 35-year-old Messi is his constant greatness for so many years
. This is very difficult to achieve and then maintain."
He began his story who retired from tennis in September 2022 when the calendar already marked 41 years.
From one legend to another.
Roger Federer, the one chosen to write Messi's article in Times.
Photo AFP PHOTO / Glyn KIRK
When speaking of the Argentinian's virtues, the former world number 1 listed that
"he dribbles like a magician and his angular passes are works of art"
.
He also said that
"her awareness and anticipation of him is almost beyond comprehension"
.
"My career has just come to an end. Now I realize how much weight we athletes carry," he acknowledged. "But in our daily lives, we don't even realize it. For a soccer player like Messi, that weight probably feels more massive as
he represents both a world-renowned club and a very passionate country
.
"
It was then that Federer remembered that the title of the
Scaloneta
in Doha.
"
Argentina's victory in the World Cup was magnificent
. Millions of fans pouring into the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate it was an incredible moment in sports, witnessed all over the world. Even those who don't follow soccer must have realized account of the true impact of the most popular game in the world
," he reflected.
"Growing up, Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were my favorite Argentinian players. I was lucky to know them both. They inspired me - he acknowledged -.
Now Messi can inspire future generations
. I can only hope that we can see his unique creativity and art for a little more time
. "
And he advised:
"Do not blink too often while Messi acts on the field; you may miss something incredible from the man of the moment."
In the end, who for many is the best tennis player in history, left the role of journalist to put on the fan outfit and, as if it were a letter and not a magazine article, the winner of 20 Grand Slams closed:
" Thanks Leo
. "
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