Ex-Barcelona star Lionel Messi is the definition of high standards in professional football. The Argentine is described as a football icon, a legend, and a leader. However, beyond the pitch, he possesses great qualities.
He is regarded as a meek, honest and humble human being. Amid all his qualities, talents, experience, and awards, the 8-time Balon D’or winner is very down to earth. The Argentina No. 10 is also regarded as plain and straightforward by both fans and media.
Even so, there were crisis periods that led to a lot of questions about his qualities. This was during his time at Barcelona when the Catalans struggled in major tournaments. Also, it was the same period when Argentina failed to win the Copa America, even though they were finalists more than once.
Now, the former Barcelona star claims to have struggled with his mental health during that period.
Messi’s Mental Health Struggles at Barcelona
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Lionel Messi revealed the secrets about his mental health during his time at Barcelona. It was a period when the Argentine and his team struggled at major tournaments. He also stated how a psychologist helped him. His time in Spain was wrapped up with an unprecedented blow after he was coerced to leave the club in 2021.
“I went (to a psychologist) to be honest a long time ago back in Barcelona. I was very reluctant and I didn’t like it. I’m someone who bottles up everything and swallows it. So when I went, it did me very well. I liked it, and it helped me.”
It was also learned that during the 2020 period, his wife told him to see a psychologist. However, he was reluctant. Messi admitted:
“I should have gone, but I never went. I find it hard to take that step even though I know it’s something that I need. They have insisted many times that it’s what I need. I’m someone who keeps everything in and does not share things. I know I need it. I know it would be good for me, but I have not done it.”
Lionel’s Legacy at Barcelona and Argentina
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Messi was instrumental whilst leading Argentina as the captain to two major titles in a single year, the World Cup and the Copa America. This describes the rare gem the Argentine is, although he had experienced several defeats in the finals and other knockout stages in those competitions. Eventually, it came through for him and his team.
In Spain, Messi was also Barcelona’s main star during his time there, and he singlehandedly won games for them. Sadly his final days there ended in a lot of strife. A lot of pressure fell on the Argentine to deliver for both the club and country. However, he stated that he needed more help during those struggles.
Messi on Potentially Playing in 2026 World Cup
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The ex-Barcelona star is already near the end point of his glorious career. The most award-garnished and decorated player will soon be 37. Although age might just be a number, it can’t be bypassed, especially in the areas of quality, consistency, and being fit.
He spoke about his chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup: “There’s still a lot of time left… in quotes, ‘a lot and a little,’ because it goes by quickly. But there is still some time.”
He continued, “I have to be realistic. It all depends on how I feel physically. There’s still a lot of time left, and I don’t know how I’ll be at that moment. It also depends on how I feel alongside my teammates and if I’m still at that level.”
Argentina will be captained on the pitch by the No. 10 in their upcoming Copa America tournament. Argentine and Messi fans worldwide will hope that he does the same for the 2026 World Cup. At 36, Messi netted 14 goals and assisted on 11 in 15 appearances in all competitions. The Argentine has been in exceptional form so far, but fitness is his main challenge.
Argentina will start their defence of the Copa America title on the 21st of June against Canada.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
