The recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2022 has once again brought the world together in a frenzy of football excitement. Football, among the most popular sports around the entire globe, has a special ability to bring together people from many backgrounds and cultures. It's a worldwide phenomenon that unites millions of people and makes everyone ecstatic.

The latest FIFA World Cup gained immense significance due to Lionel Messi's involvement. It was widely rumoured to be his last World Cup appearance, and he wanted to end his international career on a high note. With Messi at his best, Argentina made an incredible journey to the final and ultimately emerged as champions. The feat was remarkable and added another chapter to Messi's legendary status.

In this blog, we will delve into the football craze and focus on one of its greatest icons - Lionel Messi. Covering his journey, exploring how he transcended borders and emerged as both a football phenomenon and an iconic figure, as well as earning him the status of a God among fans.

Who is Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi, often regarded as the greatest football player of all time, has captured the hearts of millions with his exceptional talent and remarkable achievements. This football prodigy has taken the world by storm with his incredible skills on the field. Argentina, known for its strong football culture, has produced many football legends, and Messi has undoubtedly carved his name among them.

Messi's Journey: From Rosario to Stardom

Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi's football journey began humbly in a small-town atmosphere. From a young age, Messi demonstrated exceptional football talent. He had an innate ability to control the ball and navigate through difficult situations effortlessly. His undeniable talent quickly caught the attention of football scouts, leading him to Barcelona's prestigious youth academy, La Masia, at the age of 13. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, Messi honed his skills and showcased an extraordinary flair for the game, surpassing all expectations and propelling him towards the global stage.

The Messi Legacy: Considered a God

Messi is widely regarded as one of the best football players of all time. He has won numerous awards and broken many records throughout his career. On the field, he achieved extraordinary feats including leading his home country Argentina to the 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cup finals and scoring over 750 career goals, becoming the most by a player for a single club; Messi leads all active football players in terms of goals scored. And with a record seven Ballon d'Or honours, six European Golden Shoes, ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League titles, all of these factors combined have contributed to fans' admiration and consideration of Messi as a god-like figure in the world of football.

Moreover, Messi's on-field brilliance has earned him the adoration of football fans worldwide. His unmatched control over the ball, exceptional dribbling skills, and remarkable goal-scoring ability have made him a legendary figure in football history. Fans view him as a God due to his consistent ability to deliver magical performances and his remarkable impact on the game. His influence extends beyond the field, inspiring aspiring footballers and captivating audiences with his incredible displays of skill and determination.

Additionally, he is admired for his humble personality, generosity, and charity work off the field, which earned him a tremendous amount of love and respect from around the world.

The Messi Phenomenon: Messi Effect and Hype Across the World

In August 2021, Messi signed a mega deal, a two-year contract with Inter Miami Football Club, a major milestone in his career. This historic move saw him join David Beckham's MLS franchise and marked his first stint outside of European football. While the financial details of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, Messi's market value has consistently remained sky-high, thanks to his immense talent and global influence.

Lionel Messi's legacy extends beyond his numerous goals and accolades. His exceptional skills and natural talent have solidified his status as a football prodigy.

Apple TV's acquisition of the exclusive copyright to broadcast every match of Inter Miami (basically Messi's matches) in the ongoing Major League Soccer 2023, has further fueled the craze surrounding him. This landmark deal has not only drawn attention to Inter Miami Football Club and gained a massive following but has also attracted a surge in Apple TV subscribers, eager to witness Messi's mesmerizing performances.

His popularity is evident through the soaring demand for his jerseys, which are consistently sold out in stores. Such is the frenzy that the sale of Messi jerseys has been projected to reach record numbers, with some outlets reporting a sold-out status until October 2023. This overwhelming demand is a testament to the enduring influence and appeal of the footballing maestro. The partnership between Messi, Inter Miami, and Apple TV has proven mutually beneficial, raising the profile of all parties involved.

Argentina and Football:

Football holds a special place in the hearts of Argentinians. The sport is deeply ingrained in the country's history, culture, and traditions. From Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi, the nation has produced some of the finest football talents ever seen. The passion for the game runs through the veins of every Argentinian, making the sport an integral part of their identity. When Argentina triumphed in the World Cup, the entire nation took to the streets to celebrate, showcasing their unwavering support and love for their football hero. The entire nation was granted leave to watch the world cup and the streets were congested and filled with fans' traffic, which exemplifies the impact he has had on the sport.

In what is a sweet story, a loyal 100-year-old Argentina fan- Don Hernan, had been watching and painstakingly keeping track of Messi's goals with a pencil and paper since the start of Messi's career, noting the opponent's name, the date, and the total number of scores on a piece of paper and as a result, he kept track of the former Barcelona forward's more than 700 goals overall and in return, Messi sent the fan a touching video greeting. The video of Hernan receiving Messi's video message will bring any bearded man to drop a tear. Mr Hernan has since left us for his journey to heaven.

In conclusion, Messi may have retired from international football, but his legacy will live on forever. Being considered a god by many is a reflection of the awe-inspiring performances he consistently delivers on the field. His impact on the game cannot be denied, and fans around the world will continue to worship him as a legend and inspiration.