Messi and the gentle reminder that shook the football world

Messi shined in Inter Miami's 2-1 win over FC Porto.

They thought Messi was done. Since the Argentine superstar moved to Inter Miami, many assumed he was entering a “retirement phase” – a place of BBQs with friends, drives around Brickell in convertibles, floral shirts and a leisurely smile.

They think that the great journey has ended, that Messi is now just a brand living in the land of the stars and stripes. They no longer mention his name in football discussions, and can't even remember the name of the club he plays for.

For them, Messi is finished.

But Leo never believed that. And as always, he didn't need to say anything - just go out there and play.

At the age of 37, when many legends of his generation have retired or are just old shadows, Messi still makes everyone look at him with different eyes. In a tournament like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ - where people thought he had no more motivation - Messi still makes the whole world look back.

Messi brother 1

Messi is not over yet.

No need for a super goal, no need for magical solo shots, just a pass, a delicate move is enough to remind me: I'm still here, and football still revolves around me.

Over the past 20 years, people have been scrutinizing Messi in every way. From the growth hormone injections, to his personality being labeled as a “locker room dictator”. From the Golden Ball awards that were considered “favored” to the endless comparisons with Ronaldo and Maradona. Messi has lived in skepticism, in unreasonable harshness - from football lovers themselves.

Then came Qatar 2022, he put an end to all doubts by winning the world championship. A perfect ending - it seemed like a glorious chapter had been closed. But no, for Messi, things did not stop there.

He doesn’t need to play to prove anything anymore. But every time he takes the field, Messi still makes people talk about him. At Inter Miami, Messi is more than just a player. He is the symbol, the soul of the entire team. In a tournament that many consider “secondary”, Messi still stands out more than anyone else. And ironically, he is still mentioned more than players at the peak of their form.

Messi no longer sprints like he used to, nor does he dribble past 5-6 people. But he plays with intelligence, with intuition, with a difference that only those who have lived in the spotlight for two decades can have. He doesn't need to do much - because in just one moment, the game changes.

Messi brother 2

Messi is still very good.

The match against FC Porto in the early morning of June 20, Messi's free kick was a typical example. Inter Miami won 2-1 to move closer to the ticket to the knockout round. The game with the club owned by David Beckham has not stopped - all thanks to Messi's moment of genius.

For those who once claimed that Messi's time was over, they were forced to reconsider. Even though they didn't want to, they had to admit: Messi never lost his class, he just chose a different way of expressing himself. And it was that "silent but still in the spotlight" way that was the most frightening thing.

Messi is always like that - no need for noise, no need for a big stage - just a ball rolling and he becomes the center of the storm.

Enough, Leo. Enough to make all those who doubted you bow their heads. But for those who truly love football - it will never be enough.

Messi scores a masterpiece at the FIFA Club World Cup. Early morning on June 20, Messi shined to help Inter Miami defeat Porto 2-1 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Source: https://znews.vn/messi-va-loi-nhac-nhe-khien-the-gioi-bong-da-rung-chuyen-post1562352.html