Lionel Messi's Legacy and Influence Remain Strong

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has emphasized the need for his players to be actively participating in club football ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers, marking a shift in his selection policy for 2025, with Lionel Messi being the notable exception despite his limited playtime. Scaloni acknowledged Messi's unique situation, stating that he is always an asset to the team, even if he has faced injuries and heavy match loads. Meanwhile, Paul Pogba has publicly declared Messi as the superior player in the ongoing GOAT debate against Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing Messi's extraordinary talent despite his smaller stature. Pogba's comments came during an interaction with Twitch streamer IShowSpeed, where he dismissed the notion of a direct comparison between the two legends. Additionally, Messi's influence continues to impact younger players, as demonstrated by Olympique de Marseille's Leonardo Balerdi, who shared insights on how Messi advised him to maintain composure and play as he does at the club level. As Messi's legacy continues to grow, plans for future tributes are in the works at FC Barcelona, recognizing his profound contributions to the club.