Leo messi Awarded "Greatest footballer of all Times" By Marca

Friday, 18 October, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Inter Miami's Leo Messi has been awarded "the greatest football player of all time" award by MARCA on Thursday. 

Messi became the first recipient of the MARCA America Award, presented by the Spain-based media company. The award recognizes Messi’s championship-laden career — one with a record 46 trophies won for club or country, and at least 56 other awards on the individual level.

“It has been quite the journey,” the Argentine superstar said in Spanish during the interview. 

“We have experienced so many beautiful things but also complicated moments. In 20 years not everything is beautiful. You cannot win all the time.”he added. 

Messi overcame long time Rival, Portuguese and Al Nassr foward Cristiano Ronaldo who came at second ahead of Brazilian the Great Pelé, Argentine Alfredo Di Stefano, Diego Maradona and Dutch Yohan Cruyff who took the third to 6th spots respectively. 

“In the Big 6 all have an incredible track record. Messi has won more than anyone, which is why he has the honor of being recognized as the No. 1 of the No. 1s”Marca said. 

For Messi, no title outshines the 2022 World Cup with Argentina that helped cement his legacy among the sport’s greatest players. 

“I was able to achieve the biggest prize, which is the World Cup,” said Messi, who had three goals and two assists in a 6-0 Argentina romp past Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. 

“It is the trophy all of us want when we start playing and I managed to fulfill my dream. We won many titles in Barcelona, Paris. Now we are here with the objective to fight hard for another title.”

The 37-year Old scored 17 goals and 15 assists to help lead Miami to the 2024 Supporters Shield. Miami will have home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs which begin next week.

“I still have a deep love for this sport and I will continue to aspire to win more titles,” Messi said. “At this level, you have to enjoy things day by day.”

Messi sparked rumors about an early retirement "What's left for me in football? Thank God I can say that I've achieved every dream I had". He said. 

"The end is near and I'm enjoying and valuing every moment as maximum as possible".

Argentina and Barcelona are my home. Today I am also in a place where I feel very happy, a new stage in my life", told Marca. 

"My biggest dream was to win the World Cup".

On playing at the World Cup 2026: "Well, everything happens for a reason in life... now I'm just trying to live day by day".

"Now I feel very good, when that period comes we'll see. I don't want to say anything, I'm enjoying everything day by day", told Marca.