Lionel Messi has finally revealed people who inspired him growing up as a footballer
Superstar Lionel Messi of Inter Miami previously identified an unlikely person as his childhood football inspiration.
As a hero to many players of this generation and an eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, Messi’s remarkable achievements with both club and country have elevated him to a global icon status.
But long before he rose to fame as a football player, the 37-year-old Rosario native was simply a small child with aspirations of becoming a professional player.
And surprisingly, the Barcelona legend didn’t look to his former manager Diego Maradona or the legendary Pelé for inspiration.Messi’s footballing idol was the skilful Argentine playmaker Pablo Aimar.
Aimar’s exceptional talent captivated a young Messi, who later had the opportunity to share the field with his hero 13 times for the Argentina national team, including at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
In an interview with Adidas Football, Messi sshared.
“Besides Maradona, who is always number one for Argentines, Pablo Aimar was the player I admired the most. I had a deep admiration for him.”
