'God has given me everything': Messi

Messi's trophy cabinet includes the U20 World Cup, Olympic gold medal, two Copa America titles and the World Cup with Argentina. At club level, he has won four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles and two Ligue 1 trophies. He also holds a record eight Ballon d'Or awards and six European Golden Boots.

"It is valuable to win everything in football," Messi said in an interview with YouTube channel Simplemente Futbol on Firday. "As I've said, I was lucky to win everything with Barcelona and Argentina. I know I'll appreciate it even more as time goes by. I’m very grateful that God has given me everything."

Messi rose to prominence with Barcelona in 2005 at just 17 years old. During the 2005–2006 season, he played a crucial role in helping the team eliminate Chelsea en route to his first Champions League title. He credited senior teammates like Ronaldinho, Deco, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, as well as coach Frank Rijkaard, for helping shape his early career.

His career soared to new heights under coach Pep Guardiola from 2008 onwards. During that period, Messi won two Champions League titles, three La Liga championships and four Ballon d'Or, while consistently scoring 30 to 70 goals per season. He still holds the record for most goals in a single European season (73 in 2011–2012) and most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012).

"Pep Guardiola is from another world," Messi said. "He changed football. At that time, everyone wanted to copy us. In a way, he even damaged football because every team tried to play like Barcelona. But we were a special team, with Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, and that perfect understanding between players and coach."

In 2021, Barcelona president Joan Laporta shocked fans by deciding not to renew Messi’s contract due to the club’s financial constraints. Messi subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons before moving to Inter Miami. He revealed that he had hoped to return to Barcelona after winning the 2022 World Cup, but the plan did not come through.

"The decision to come to the U.S. was all about family. We came here to try something new," he added.

Messi's current contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of 2025. Whether he chooses to extend it or move again may influence his preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

"This year will be important for making decisions regarding the World Cup. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about it," Messi added.