Messi Says Winning World Cup Felt Like the Birth of His Children, Calls It the ‘Ultimate Achievement’

Lionel Messi has described Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph as one of the most profound moments of his life — comparing the joy of lifting the trophy to the birth of his children.

Speaking at the American Business Forum, where he was honoured with Miami’s “key to the city,” the Inter Miami star reflected on finally achieving his lifelong dream after years of heartbreak, including the narrow miss in 2014.

“With all due respect, because it has nothing to do with it, but when I won the World Cup, I had the same feeling as when my children were born,” Messi said. “It’s so special and so big that anything I say falls short.”

Messi, who scored twice in the Qatar 2022 final against France and won the Golden Ball for best player, said the victory held deep meaning for both him and Argentina.

“The way the country celebrated showed how much we needed and wanted this to happen again after so long,” he said. “For me, it was special; winning the World Cup is the ultimate. After that, you can’t ask for anything more.”

He added that the win felt like the perfect conclusion to his career achievements: “I had already won everything at the club and individual level, even the Copa América. The World Cup was the missing piece — the perfect closure.”

Ronaldo’s Subtle Dig

Messi’s long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to downplay Argentina’s 2022 triumph, telling Piers Morgan:

“How many World Cups did Argentina win before Messi? Two? It’s normal. These countries are used to winning big competitions.”

On the 2026 World Cup

Looking ahead, Messi said he has “very high expectations” for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico but did not confirm whether he would participate.

“I’m sure it will be something extraordinary,” he said.