Miami: Lionel Messi has once again sparked discussion in the football world after revealing that he is not driven by statistics, despite being one of the most decorated and accomplished players in the sport’s history.
In an interview with SportsCenter on ESPN, the Argentina captain made it clear that goals, assists, and records have never been his motivation on the field.
“People today focus a lot on statistics, and personally, I don’t really like statistics,” Messi said. “I don’t think I must score or assist just to reach a record or surpass someone. I live the game and enjoy it.”
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has achieved extraordinary success. During his illustrious career at Barcelona, he won 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and three FIFA Club World Cups. After a spell at Paris Saint-Germain, he now plays for Inter Miami in the MLS.
The World Cup–winning captain emphasized that his performances and records have always come naturally.
“I like to be decisive and involved in the flow of the match — but I don’t play for stats, and I’ve never given them importance,” he added. “Everything happened naturally, not because I was chasing numbers or trying to surpass anyone.”
Despite not focusing on numbers, Messi’s impact is unmatched. In his latest appearance for Inter Miami, he registered the 405th assist of his career, surpassing Pelé’s historic assist tally — another milestone that came effortlessly, according to the star.
As Messi continues his journey in the MLS, his philosophy remains unchanged: play with joy, contribute to the team, and let the records take care of themselves.
