Roger Federer delivered a magnificent homage to Lionel Messi, who was chosen by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential individuals.
Lionel Messi, arguably the best footballer of all time, is a household name. Messi is a brand in the worldwide athletic arena, not only in football. Tennis legend Roger Federer gave a magnificent homage to the Argentine after he was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023. Messi and Federer may be from different sports, but the influence they’ve had on the world via their achievements transcends all boundaries.
“Lionel Messi’s goal-scoring statistics and championship titles are self-evident. What strikes me about Messi, 35, is his sustained excellence over such a long period of time. This is extremely tough to acquire and then sustain. His angular passes are pieces of art, and he dribbles like a magician. Federer wrote to Messi, “His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension.”
Lionel Messi was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2023, and Roger Federer paid him a heartfelt tribute.
“My career has just ended. I’ve realised how much weight we athletes bear. But we don’t even realise it in our daily lives. For a football star like Messi, the weight is likely to seem much heavier, given he represents both a world-renowned team and a tremendously passionate country. Argentina’s World Cup triumph was fantastic. Millions of supporters rushing to the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate was an incredible sporting scene observed throughout the world. Even those who do not watch football must have realised the genuine significance of the world’s most popular sport,” he continued.
The retired tennis player also claimed that Argentine footballers like Diego Mradona and Gabriel Batistuta were his favourite players growing up.
“My favourite Argentine players growing up were Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta.” I had the good fortune to meet both of them. They influenced me. Messi is now able to inspire future generations. I can only hope that we will be able to enjoy his distinct ingenuity and talent for a little while longer. Don’t blink too much while Messi is on the pitch. “You could be missing out on something incredible from the man of the moment,” he said.
