Lionel Messi’s reaction to being called the greatest player in the world is a masterclass in relentless humility.
During a 2013 interview with veteran journalist Bob Simon, Messi was pressed on the joy his individual brilliance brings to millions. Instead of embracing his own mythology, he immediately deflected the spotlight to the collective: “I think that everybody gets joy, not just because of me, but because of this Barca team that's been winning and playing so well lately.”
Even when pushed further on the sheer magnitude of global praise, he refused to elevate himself to the status of an untouchable god. Anchored by quiet appreciation rather than arrogance, he acknowledged the adulation by simply stating he is “very grateful and happy” and that the praise is “obviously a wonderful thing.”
While the rest of the footballing world desperately tries to worship him, Messi fundamentally views himself as just one gear in a collective machine.
#Arsenal sold players every year to stay afloat. Arsene Wenger had to repeatedly finish in the top four with a positive net spend and we had to sell out the stadium at the highest prices in England, whilst City committed fraud at every level. Never forget.
“If you haven't read hundreds of books, you are functionally illiterate, and you will be incompetent, because your personal experiences alone aren't broad enough to sustain you.”
— James N. Mattis
I won’t lie, the sweetest part about Arsenal winning the EPL is that we won it against Pep Guardiola and his arrogant players
Dunking in their heads for Pep to pack his bags and leave is the sweetest part. Thank you Mikel Arteta