“I Am Very Happy”: Messi Opens Up to Romano on “Easy” Miami Decision, World Cup Hopes, and His Unending Drive
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Fabrizio Romano, football icon Lionel Messi pulled back the curtain on his mindset, his future with Inter Miami, and his ambitions for what might be one last World Cup. The conversation revealed a player who, even after winning everything, is still driven by a fundamental love for the game.
The Fire Still Burns: “I Love to Win”
When asked if he ever gets bored of the simple act of scoring, Messi’s answer was definitive and clear.
“No, I love it,” he stated. “I love to win, I love to participate in the game and in goals and important things. And always when I enter the pitch, I try to help and be influential in the game.”
This drive extends to his personal development. Even now, Messi believes he is a student of the game. “I think there is always something to learn; a person never stops learning, whether in football or in life,” he explained. “I try to get the maximum possible performance from my body and my game… to know your limits and try to make the most of them.”
Deconstructing the Magic
Romano pressed Messi on his “magical” moves, specifically asking for the thought process behind an audacious chip. Messi’s explanation demystified the magic, revealing it as a combination of high-speed processing and instinct.
“These are moments, decisions made at very high speed,” Messi said. “In that moment, I don’t remember if I saw or imagined that the defender would throw himself, because that’s the natural thing in those situations.”
He continued, breaking down the goal: “I think I had enough time, and the goalkeeper was a bit far, and he ran out too early and stayed in the middle of the path, and that’s what made me finish the attack that way.”
“An Easy Decision” to Stay in Miami
A significant topic was Messi’s recent contract renewal with Inter Miami. For him, the choice to recommit was simple.
“Honestly, I am very happy,” he shared. “It was an easy decision because we are really succeeding, both on a family level and in our daily lives, and also at the club. I am enjoying my time, I feel in good physical shape, and we are achieving positive results.”
He described his move to MLS as a “big change, and… something very beautiful.” His happiness is palpable: “As I said, the decision wasn’t difficult because we are very happy here.”
The 2026 World Cup: A Question of Fitness
With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in North America, the question on every fan’s mind is whether the reigning champion will defend his title.
“Without a doubt, the desire and enthusiasm to be there are very clear,” Messi confirmed.
However, he remains pragmatic, conditioning his participation on his physical state. “I want to continue to feel that I am in good condition, so I can contribute and be important to the team. I think it depends on good physical fitness and the confidence that I am capable of performing at the highest possible level.”
He called the prospect of playing a World Cup in the US “special” and “exceptional,” adding it would be “very nice… to defend the world champion title.”
The Next Target: MLS Glory
While the World Cup looms in the distance, Messi’s immediate focus is clear. When asked what fans can expect to see in the near future, his answer was direct: a trophy.
“I really, really hope we can show the picture of winning the MLS title,” he declared. “That would be truly beautiful for the club… Winning the title will be important for the club, and… achieving a new title would be something exceptional.”
