Lionel Messi has opened up on being ‘upstoppable’ after winning a G.O.A.T award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentinian was handed the prestigious MARCA America Award this week, dubbed the ‘Greatest of All Time’ award by fans on social media.
The 37-year-old is considered by many to be the greatest footballer in the history of the game. His long and intense rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo has added to the legacy of the beautiful game.
Lionel Messi regularly clashed with the Portuguese during their time with Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively. The superstar duo have also dominated the Ballon d’Or awards for almost two decades.
Speaking after winning the award on Thursday, October 17, the Argentinian insisted that the support of his family is what makes him unstoppable.
“I am still hungry for titles even though I am a bit older and my family keeps growing. I feel their support so I am unstoppable. I love playing football and everything it gives me,” said Messi.
He continued:
“I have had really bad times with Argentina before achieving what we have done by today but, I think it helped us a lot to become what we are today.”
Lionel Messi has arguably ended the GOAT debate by lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo yet to lift the Holy Grail of football.
How have Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo performed this year?
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have both been in impressive form this season. The Portuguese has registered eight goals and three assists from nine game for Al-Nassr this season.
The 39-year-old is in the final year of his contract and is yet to sign a new deal. However, recent reports have suggested that the Saudi club are working to extend his stay in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the Argentinian recently helped Inter Miami win the Supporters’ Shield after finising at the top of the Eastern Conference table in the MLS. The six-time European Golden Shoe winner has registered 19 goals and 12 assists from 21 games across competitions this season for the Herons.
Messi has transformed the Florida-based club since joining them in the summer of 2023. He helped them to their first ever trophy last season, the Leagues Cup, and is now gearing up for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recently gave the world a reminder of his qualities by registering his 10th hattrick with Argentina in the 6-0 win over Bolivia.