The first time I witnessed Lionel Messi play soccer was surprisingly underwhelming. At that point, although he had debuted for Barcelona, the atmosphere couldn’t have been more different from the vibrant 90,000-seat Camp Nou, known as Europe’s biggest stadium.
Messi was just 18 and the second-youngest player on Argentina’s under-20 team when they faced the United States on June 11, 2005, in their opening game of the FIFA World Youth Championship. The match took place in Arke Stadion in the small Dutch city of Enschede, which was only about a third full. During that game, Messi remained on the bench for most of the first half, eventually joining in the second half but not making a significant impact as Chad Barrett scored the winning goal just before halftime. I was watching on a tiny 13-inch screen in my cubicle at ESPN The Magazine’s office in midtown Manhattan, hardly suspecting I was seeing the start of something monumental.
Of course, Messi went on to have a remarkable tournament, finishing as the top scorer and MVP, leading Argentina to victory. The following year, I caught my first live glimpse of him when he scored for Barça in a 4-1 friendly against the New York Red Bulls. I remember how small he seemed, with floppy brown hair obscuring his eyes, and I couldn’t help but question how he could be the successor to Argentine legend Diego Maradona.
A year later, I asked Bob Bradley, then-coach of the U.S. men’s national team, about Messi, and he couldn’t hide his excitement when comparing him to past greats. I noted that Messi was on a trajectory to surpass his Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho as the best in the world. Since then, Messi has gone on to exceed even those high expectations.
His legacy was solidified during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, especially during a crucial match against Mexico. With Argentina in danger of elimination, Messi scored a pivotal goal that helped propel Argentina to their first World Cup title since 1986. His victory led to a change of heart about retirement, as he later celebrated his second Copa América win in three years. I witnessed him weep on the field after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup, realizing it might have been his last time representing Argentina.
As Messi readies for his farewell match on Tuesday in Buenos Aires, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for covering most of his incredible career. Many soccer fans haven’t had the chance to watch him in person, but I’ve been fortunate enough to see him play countless times. I’ve experienced his highs, like the triumphs of 2022 and 2024, and his heartbreaking moments, such as shootout losses in the World Cup semifinals and Copa finals. It feels surreal to see Messi now playing in MLS, and I hope he continues until at least the end of his contract with Inter Miami in 2028. Watching Messi, whether from the stands, a press box, or on a screen, is an unparalleled privilege that never gets stale. He is a one-of-a-kind player whose magic should be cherished while it lasts.
Fan Take: Messi’s farewell match is not just an ending, but a moment that encapsulates the joy and legacy he brought to soccer. For fans, it signifies the closing of an extraordinary era, reminding us to appreciate greatness while we can.
Source: www.foxsports.com
