Messi Equates World Cup Victory to Birth of His Children

Lionel Messi opened up about the emotional magnitude of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, describing the experience as overwhelmingly special. Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami, where he was honored as a guest and presented with the city’s symbolic key, Messi reflected on winning football’s greatest prize and what it meant to him personally and professionally.

Messi’s Profound Emotional Connection to the Trophy

The Inter Miami star revealed that winning the World Cup evoked emotions comparable to the birth of his children. “With all due respect, because it has nothing to do with it, but when I won the World Cup at the professional level, I had the same feeling as when my children were born. It’s a feeling that’s hard to explain, it’s so special and so big that anything I say falls short,” Messi stated. He emphasized that the World Cup represented the ultimate achievement in a footballer’s career, the final piece completing his extraordinary legacy after winning numerous club titles, individual accolades, and the Copa América with Argentina.

Ronaldo Takes a Subtle Dig at Argentina’s Win

In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo downplayed Argentina’s accomplishment during a recent interview with Piers Morgan. The Manchester United star questioned the significance of Argentina’s victories, asking, “How many World Cups did Argentina win before Messi? I don’t know, two times? It’s normal. These countries are used to winning big competitions.” His comment appeared to suggest that Argentina’s success was expected rather than extraordinary.

Messi also expressed optimism about the 2026 World Cup, stating he has “very high expectations” for the tournament taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, though he has not yet confirmed his participation.