Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team, spoke at the American Business Forum in Miami about the 2022 Qatar World Cup, likening it to the birth of his children. The footballer reflected on his career, his move to Inter Miami, and his interest in the business world. The event featured figures like Donald Trump and María Corina Machado.
Lionel Messi took part in the American Business Forum in Miami, engaging in a dialogue with Mayor Francis Suárez. The event, which also featured Donald Trump and María Corina Machado, drew significant attention to the Argentine, who received more applause than the former U.S. president, according to the governor.
Messi reviewed his career: at 13, he left everything to start a new life in Spain, where his early years were tough. "I wasn't doing well," he admitted. His wife arrived when he was 20 or 21. He emphasized the necessary sacrifice: "To be a professional, you have to make a very big sacrifice. I did everything possible and I'm grateful to God, because he gave me the main thing".
On the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he said: "I had the same feeling as when my children were born". He added: "It's hard to explain... We had that need for it to happen again. For me, it was special because for a player, winning the World Cup is the maximum. There's nothing more".
Regarding his move to Inter Miami in 2023, he described it as a family decision: "That change was different... being able to choose where you want to be. It makes everything much easier". He praised the reception: "Since I arrived in this incredible city, everything has been spectacular. The affection from the people from the first day was impressive".
Suárez presented him with the key to the city, and Messi responded: "I feel very honored... Having this distinction is a great honor".
Finally, he discussed his future: "Football has an expiration date". He expressed interest in business: "The business topic interests me. I'd like to keep learning because I know nothing and I'm just starting in this".