Roger Federer writes message to Lionel Messi and details realisation in it

Roger Federer sang the praises of soccer superstar Lionel Messi in TIME Magazine. The latest edition of the publication includes a list of their 100 Most Influential People of 2023.

The World Cup winner was included in the ‘Titan’ section of the list, where the tennis icon wrote a tribute to the Inter Miami player. While doing so, he came to a realisation about the pressure professional sportspeople face on a daily basis. “What stands out to me about Messi is his consistent greatness over so many years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain,” the Swiss Maestro said.

“He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension. My career has just come to an end. I now realise how much weight we athletes carry. But in our daily lives, we don’t even realise 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 Buenos  Aires to celebrate was an amazing moment in sports, witnessed around the world. Even those who don’t follow football must have realised the true impact of the world’s most popular game.”

Messi is regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time and has won all the sport’s top honors during his nearly two-decade career. Much like Federer in tennis, the Argentine took the standard of soccer to new heights and did so with grace and artistry never seen before.

The eight-time Wimbledon champion, who retired from tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup, ended his message by describing Messi as an inspiration and a role model to young people. “Messi can inspire future generations. I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer,” Federer added. 

“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.” As Messi continues to enjoy the twilight phase of his illustrious career, many wonder how much longer he will continue to play.

But retirement appears to be far from the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s thoughts after making a scintillating start to life as an Inter Miami player. He has scored 11 goals in just 11 games for the MLS team and helped deliver their first trophy when they defeated Nashville on penalties to win the Leagues Cup.

Messi is currently on international duty and he watched from the sidelines as Argentina beat Bolivia 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier. He watched the team’s victory from the bench despite not being named as a substitute. The national team captain complained of tiredness after scoring the only goal in Wednesday’s win against Ecuador and was rested as a result.

“Leo was not ready to play,” said coach Lionel Scaloni after the game. “He tried to recover, but he did not feel comfortable.” Inter Miami fans hope Messi will be fit to play in the team’s next game against Atlanta United on Sunday as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference and make a late push for the playoffs.