Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva recently took to social media to share a message about Lionel Messi, urging that the Argentine star serve as a role model for Brazilian footballers.
Da Silva suggested that Messi, at the age of 36, stands as a world champion and a Ballon d’Or winner, and he believes Messi should inspire young players in Brazil. The president’s remarks frame Messi as an example for discipline, longevity, and excellence in the sport, characteristics that Brazilian athletes often strive to emulate.
Messi’s recent achievements were highlighted in the context of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, which took place on October 30 at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris. The event marked another milestone in the player’s storied career, underscoring his sustained impact on the game at the highest level.
This latest Ballon d’Or adds to Messi’s long list of accolades. He has won the prize eight times, a record that outpaces all other captains of the Argentine national team. His victories came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023, a remarkable sequence that has solidified his status as one of the sport’s most decorated players. [Attribution: multiple sports outlets]
Messi’s global journey reached a pinnacle in December 2022 when he helped Argentina secure the FIFA World Cup title. In a dramatic final, the South American team defeated France in a penalty shootout, a victory that resonated across the football world and further elevated Messi’s legacy.
Before joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. His first appearance for the MLS club featured a memorable free-kick goal that showcased his enduring precision and creativity on the field. The move to Inter Miami marked a new chapter as he continued to influence the game in North American soccer.
Notably, remarks about Messi’s awards and career have sometimes sparked reactions from fellow players. A former Paris Saint-Germain teammate described presenting the Ballon d’Or to Messi as an awkward moment, highlighting the range of opinions that surround extraordinary achievements in football. This tension illustrates how rapid successes can prompt both admiration and critique within the sport’s ecosystem. [Attribution: sports commentary]
Overall, Messi’s career is portrayed as a blend of sustained excellence, international success, and a global influence that extends beyond club boundaries. Observers note that da Silva’s call for Messi to serve as a model for Brazilian players underscores a broader conversation about mentorship, professionalism, and the standards expected of players who reach the pinnacle of international football. In this context, young athletes in Brazil—and fans across the region—are reminded that lasting impact often comes from a combination of talent, perseverance, and a commitment to exemplary conduct on and off the pitch. [Attribution: expert analysis]