Argentine forward Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami, shared a personal moment about the number 10 and its deep connection to Diego Armando Maradona. He explained this in a conversation with the French football legend Zinedine Zidane, who was released by Adidas this Thursday in Miami as well.
“For us Argentinians, the number 10 holds a special weight because when you see 10, Maradona comes to mind. We aspired to reach his level, but no one could quite match him. That was the dream. Maradona wore 10, and the player we admire most,” Messi said during a long, reflective chat with Zidane, a figure from Real Madrid who remains a source of inspiration for many players.
Hook
Messi admits he caught only a glimpse of Maradona as a child, when the young boy watched Diego at Newell’s Old Boys and later through video highlights. He recalls that as a six or seven year old, memories of the 1994 World Cup are fuzzy, but the footage left a lasting impression. Maradona remains a constant reference and idol for Messi, and the family now recognizes how Diego’s legacy continues to shape their footballing journey. “We’ve never seen him in person, only through videos,” Messi noted in that conversation.
Messi also spoke warmly about fellow Argentine stars Pablo Aimar and Juan Román Riquelme. He reflected on how the number 10 position has evolved in modern football and whether it still commands the same influence as in the past.
“The role has shifted. The classic 10 was once the strongest presence on the field, but systems like 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 have changed how it’s used. The ten who defines Argentinian football, whether in the style of Riquelme or Aimar, is rarer today. The way teams train players in that position can feel wasted when the design of the game no longer highlights them,” he observed.
PSG without 10
Messi recalled the period at Paris Saint-Germain when he could not wear the number 10 jersey and instead wore the number 30. He described the adjustment as odd but eventually comforting, since the familiar number carried a sense of belonging even if it wasn’t his usual choice. “When I was in Paris there was no 10 for me. It wasn’t a problem, but I did miss it at times. I got used to number 30 after my debut,” he explained.
In the same tribute to influence and leadership, Messi praised Zidane. “I admire him greatly. We didn’t have many chances to play together, and we did not share the field much, but I always respected and admired what Zidane has accomplished and continues to do,” Messi stated.
Praise for ‘Zizou’
Messi described Zidane as one of the greatest figures in football history. He spoke about his admiration for Zidane’s elegance and magic on the pitch, recalling Leverkusen’s goals and iconic moments from the World Cup. “Zidane had a unique quality on the field, a certain grace and magic that stood out. I remember those World Cup moments, the roulette and other dazzling plays he produced,” Messi affirmed.
The Argentine noted that scoring a goal at the World Cup holds a special significance, even more so than achieving goals in the Champions League. This sentiment reflects how the global stage amplifies a player’s impact and cements a moment in football lore.