The influence of Lionel Messi on the world, not just the world of football, is incomprehensible. It is not just people who watch football that worship Messi, now he is a cult figure in the world, and other sports influences are also enamoured by the little Argentine. Now, tennis great Roger Federer has penned a very beautiful and emotional note to Lionel Messi while nominating him for TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023. Messi helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup after 26 years.
In the list of winners, tennis great Roger Federer paid homage to Messi by comparing his football to fine art.
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Lionel Messi in Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023
Federer penned, ‘Lionel Messi’s goal-scoring records and championship wins need no recounting here. What stands out to me about Messi, 35, is his consistent greatness over so many years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain. He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension.’
The tennis legend continued, ‘My career has just come to an end. I now realize how much weight we athletes carry. But in our daily lives, we don’t even realize it. For a football player like Lionel Messi, that weight likely feels more massive, as he represents both a world-renowned club and a very passionate country.’
Adding on, Roger Federer said, ‘Argentina’s World Cup victory was magnificent. Millions of fans’ taking to the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate was an amazing moment in sports, witnessed around the world. Even those who don’t follow football must have realized the true impact of the world’s most popular game.’
The 20-time Grand Slam champion admitted that he formerly followed Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta closely and voiced the hope that Lionel Messi will have the same impact on future generations. Federer, who announced his tennis retirement in September 2022, also voiced his desire for Messi, 35, to be able to play for a little longer.
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Roger said, ‘Growing up, Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were my favorite Argentine players. I was lucky enough to meet both of them. They inspired me. Now Lionel Messi can inspire future generations. I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer. Don’t blink too often as Messi performs on the pitch. You may miss something incredible from the man of the moment. Thank you, Leo.’
Messi and Federer’s mutual respect
This isn’t the first time that these two GOATs of their respective sports have embraced and appreciated each other. When Federer retired, Lionel Messi posted a classy and heartfelt tribute to the Swiss maestro.
Lionel Messi posted after Roger Federer announced his decision to retire from the sport, ‘A genius, unique in the history of tennis and an example for any athlete. All the best in your new stage, we will miss seeing you on the court making us enjoy.’
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