Former PSG star and World Cup winner Lionel Messi has stated that 'mentality, fight and sacrifice' have been crucial for him to stay competitive in football for so many years. He also stated that the desire of 'wanting more' has been key for him to stay top for two decades. (More Football News)
Speaking to Argentina's Television Publica, Messi spoke on various topics including retirement, Inter Miami and also look back at his career that has seen him standout for such a long period of time.
In a question posed by current Argentine team-mate Nicolas Tagliafico about his longevity, Messi said, "I believe it's the same thing that helped me reach a level both as a collective and as an individual. I think it's the mentality, the fight, the effort, the sacrifice. The always wanting more. I think since I was very young I was like that. I was very responsible and very sure in what I wanted and I always gave the maximum to achieve it."
Messi also further added that his impressive fitness record has allowed him to survive this long in football.
"I focus at the start of every season with the same mentality and the same desire to better myself. Also, I have had very good luck with injuries."
Messi announced on June 7 that he will play for Inter Miami in a move that is expected to revitalize football in the United States and South Florida with one of the sporting world's best-known figures.
The seven-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, the football world's most prestigious individual award, is coming off two years with Paris Saint-Germain and is expected to make his Inter Miami debut against Mexican team Cruz Azul on July 21.
(With AP inputs)
