Lionel Messi's consistent greatness stands out for meRoger Federer pens touching tribute to football great

By India Today Sports DeskSwiss maestro Roger Federer paid tribute to football great Lionel Messi, saying the Argentine’s consistent greatness stands out for him.

Messi inspired Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup after defeating France on penalties 4-2 in Qatar. With Messi, alongside Kylian Mbappe, named in TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023, Federer, who is arguably the greatest tennis player of all-time, compared Messi’s football to art.

“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,” Federer wrote.

“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 Messi, that weight likely feels more massive, as he represents both a world-renowned club and a very passionate country.

“Argentina’s World Cup victory was magnificent. Millions of fans’ taking to the streets of Buenosâ€ïAires 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.”

Federer, who retired from professional tennis in September 2022 with 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, also hoped to see the 35-year-old Messi’s unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer. Federer also revealed that Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were his favorite Argentina players while growing up.

“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 Messi can inspire future generations,” Federer said. “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.”

Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi will be out of contract at the end of the season. While there are speculations that he could return to his former club Barcelona, Messi’s future still remains uncertain.