Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in the list of 100 most influential people in the world. In 2023, Messi has also made it to the list of the most influential people of the United States magazine 'Time'.
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Along with Messi, the star forward of France, Kylian Mbappe, has also found a place in this list.
Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, wrote about the Argentinian star in a list of influential people published on the magazine's website on Thursday.
Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam winner who retired from tennis in September last year, began writing about Messi. Thus, there is no reminiscence of Lionel Messi's goalscoring record and title wins. What strikes me most about the 35-year-old Messi is his retention of greatness for so many years. It is as difficult to achieve as it is to maintain. His dribbling is magical, his angled passes are works of art. His awareness and precognition are beyond comprehension.
The Swiss legend also wrote, My career is over. Now realize how important we athletes are. But we don't feel it in our daily life. For a footballer like Messi, the scope is greater, as he represents a popular club and a football-crazy country. Argentina's World Cup win was extraordinary. It was a great moment for sport when millions took to the streets of Buenos Aires. The whole world saw it. Even those who don't watch football understand the impact of the world's most popular sport.
Federer wants to see the 35-year-old Messi on the field for a few more days. Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were my favorite players growing up, he writes. I had the good fortune to meet both of them. They inspired me. Now Messi can inspire future generations. I want to see more of his great creativity and artistic play. Don't bat too many eyelids when Messi is on the field because the incredible moment of the man who has now become the center of everything may escape your eyes. Thanks, Leo.
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