Lionel Messi, a forward for Inter Miami, waves to the crowd as he leaves the field after receiving recognition for his impressive achievement of 45 career trophies. This moment took place before an MLS game against the Chicago Fire on July 20, 2024. AP Photo
Lionel Messi, the star player for Inter Miami, has added another honour to his impressive list of achievements. On Thursday, he became the inaugural recipient of the MARCA America Award, given by a prominent Spanish media company. This award celebrates Messi's extraordinary career, during which he has won an astonishing 46 trophies with both club teams and the national team. In addition to those, he has received at least 56 individual awards throughout his journey.
During the award presentation at Chase Stadium, the home of Inter Miami, Messi reflected on his remarkable career. “It has been quite the journey,” he shared in Spanish during a Q&A session. “We have experienced so many beautiful things but also complicated moments. In 20 years not everything is beautiful. You cannot win all the time.” His words highlight the ups and downs he has faced in the world of soccer.
For Messi, the crowning achievement of his career remains winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. This victory not only solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in soccer history but also fulfilled a lifelong dream. Despite the highs he has already reached, the 37-year-old Messi is still driven to win more titles. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, he has already made a significant impact, helping the team secure trophies similar to those he won while playing for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Though Messi has only participated in 18 Major League Soccer (MLS) matches this season due to an ankle injury and commitments to the national team, his statistics speak volumes. He has scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists, leading Inter Miami to clinch the 2024 Supporters Shield. This achievement guarantees the team home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs, which are set to start next week.
Reflecting on his achievements, Messi noted, “I was able to achieve the biggest prize, which is the World Cup. It is the trophy all of us want when we start playing, and I managed to fulfill my dream. We won many titles in Barcelona, and Paris. Now we are here with the objective to fight hard for another title.” His passion for the game remains strong, and he is eager to continue competing for more championships.
Messi's current contract with Inter Miami extends through next season. After his impressive performance in a recent World Cup qualifier against Bolivia—where he scored three goals and assisted two others in a 6-0 victory—he seems energized and ready to commit to Argentina through the next World Cup cycle. “I still have a deep love for this sport, and I will continue to aspire to win more titles,” Messi affirmed. “At this level, you have to enjoy things day by day.”
Looking ahead, Inter Miami has one regular-season match remaining against New England this Saturday. A win in this match would set a new MLS single-season points record, surpassing New England’s 72 points from 2021.
