Buenos Aires, June 5: Maxi Rodriguez, the former winger of Argentina, has emphasized that Lionel Messi’s relentless hunger for success is what makes him a great player. Despite winning the Ballon d’Or eight times and leading Argentina to their last World Cup victory, Messi remains committed to winning another World Cup.
Speaking to FIFA, Rodriguez stated, “Messi draws energy from his desire for fame and his ambition to create history once again. He keeps pushing forward, and no one can stop him. He plays for the pride of representing his country. His mind is solely focused on that; breaking records is not his priority. He wants to be a world champion again. He is putting everything on the line because that hunger defines him.”
Rodriguez added, “Without that mindset and drive, he wouldn’t have achieved everything he has. That’s why we are still enjoying another World Cup with him wearing Argentina’s iconic number 10 shirt.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Rodriguez shared, “I grew up watching Diego and his generation. They were my idols. Then, suddenly, there was Leo—two of the greatest footballers in the world, right there with us. It felt like something out of a movie. Sometimes, after training, we would stay back to take free kicks, and Diego would join us. Watching Diego and Leo play was mind-blowing.”
He continued, “What Messi has accomplished is beyond words, but what sets him apart is his humility. I feel fortunate to have played alongside him for so long.”
Rodriguez has had a long career with the Argentina national team, having played under Diego Maradona’s coaching during the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups.
Argentina is set to compete in Group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Jordan, Algeria, and Austria, with Messi once again leading the team.
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