Lionel Messi’s Remarkable Journey: From Age-Awareness to His 8th Ballon d’Or Ascent
In 2019, Lionel Messi candidly acknowledged his awareness of his advancing age as he secured his 6th Ballon d’Or. He remarked, “These moments are enjoyed much more because the retirement is closer. I still have several years left, but time’s flying fast.”
The ensuing years brought about a remarkable twist in the Argentinean’s career. In 2019, at the age of 32, Messi’s unexpected departure from Barcelona left many speculating that retirement might be just around the corner, particularly given his initial struggles and discontent at Paris Saint-Germain.
However, fast forward four years from that pivotal moment, and Messi’s journey has taken an astonishing turn. He achieved the incredible feat of winning both the World Cup and the Copa America and now stands on the cusp of securing his 8th Ballon d’Or, defying the odds and demonstrating his enduring greatness.