El Rey, Dios

Lucky to be living in the same era as Messi.

Be audacious. a competive animal that transforms whenever he is in his jersey.

Keep showing up, keep coming back, keep trying.

What I admire most about him is the contrast: on the pitch, he can be absolutely lethal—an unstoppable, lethal beast in full competitive mode, intensely competitive and fiercely determined, also gives his 300% maximum—yet off it, he is usually so reserved, low-key and humble. The contrast that makes him human – how he persist, insist, resist without losing humility. And of course, he is a beautiful man!

  • When provoked or offended, though, he becomes ruthless / absolute menace to revenge. Angry Messi is No. 1. Those intense match stares, full competitor mode, a focused warrior going to war (on the pitch).
  • The absolute focus, the quiet intensity.
  • In contrast to his quiet and humble self off the pitch, Messi is so alive and raw on it—bursts of joy, tears, frustration, disappointment, gratitude to God, a fierce desire to win, and flashes of anger when provoked. Such raw and instinctive expression of emotion on pitch is so cute and animalistic.
  • Whether it’s a friendly match, an Inter Miami game, or a World Cup final, Messi brings the same 300% maximo intensity—every run, every dribble, every goal. A world-class professional athete, he gives it his all. He is a warrior for a battle.
  • He has world-class, GOAT-level talent, but still works incredibly hard. (Professional excellence x human excellence)
  • Such longevity.
  • How he defend his teammates.
  • He shows deep loyalty—to his home, his country, and his team. Always grateful after each and every goal. His selflessness, always acknowledge his team effort.
  • His determination to win is unmatched. He is fiercely competitive, never lets himself fall, and keeps pushing forward. No setback can stop him. (even from Rosario, even with growth hormones issues, even with swollen eyes and loose tooth on pitch.)
  • No peak or prime, but keep evolving.
  • After decades of setbacks and intense criticism for not winning with Argentina, he never gave up. In the end, he won everything: the Copa América, the Finalissima, and ultimately the 2022 World Cup.
  • He speaks only Spanish, which somehow makes him even more fascinating to me.
  • His AURA is undeniable: eyes on fire, quiet leadership, and immense respect from everyone around him.
  • His physique. 😽 almost sculptural, it means extreme discipline.
  • His philanthropy, his love for children, and his business sense make him even more admirable—although it is unfortunate that I am no longer a kid.
  • He has adapted brilliantly with age, such football intelligence: from the explosive La Pulga, relentlessly dribbling past defenders and scoring, to a master deep playmaker who walks (pedestrian Messi 🤣) then kills you with one pass, scans the field, conserves energy, and controls the game.
  • His “one game at a time” mindset reminds me of Cheung Ka Long. He would always find an opening, no matter how badly things were going. Always a possibility for salvation (The Messiah as they said).

Gracias, Capitán—Nuestro diez, our D10S, our GOAT, and our role model.

The greatest of all time.

The great Lionel Messi, the superhuman? The alien? The magician?

Perhaps he is the best idol I have ever had.

Very late, but better late than never.