Football legend Lionel Messi has voiced concern over what he calls a dangerous shift in modern football — players chasing personal glory at the expense of team success.
In a candid interview with NBC, the Argentine star said too many players today are “obsessed” with breaking records and personal statistics instead of focusing on the collective goal of winning.
“Many players become obsessed with individual records and end up forgetting the main objective, which is the team’s success,” Messi said. “To break records, the team must first achieve victories.”
Messi’s remarks, coming from a man who has shattered nearly every record in football history, struck a chord across the sporting world. The Inter Miami forward — who has lifted countless trophies for club and country — suggested that true greatness lies not in numbers, but in how one uplifts the team.
The comments also come at a time when football is increasingly driven by social media hype, personal brands, and highlight reels. Yet, for Messi, football’s beauty remains rooted in teamwork and shared triumph.
As he continues to inspire both on and off the pitch, Messi’s words serve as a quiet reminder that the essence of the game is not in the records — but in the unity that creates them.
