Roger Federer paid tribute to Lionel Messi on being listed in the TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023
Swiss legend Roger Federer felicitated Lionel Messi with a heartfelt message on finding a place in TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2023’ list.
2022 was a memorable year for Lionel Messi as his dream of lifting the World Cup Trophy finally came true. Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a victory over France in the final. It was their third title and it came after a gap of 36 years.
Messi found a place in the list of TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2023’ and this was followed by a heartfelt message from the 20-time major winner Roger Federer for Messi’s consistency for so many years.
Lionel Messi’s goal scoring records and championship wins need no recounting here. What stands out to me about Messi, 35, is his consistent greatness over the years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain. He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension.
-Roger Federer
Federer mentioned that he was a big fan of Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta of Argentina and has been inspired by them. He hopes that Lionel Messi can now inspire future generations. He wishes 35-year-old Messi to play a bit longer so that people can continue to enjoy his unique creativity and artistry.
Growing up Diego Maradona and Gabriela Batistuta were my favourite Argentine players. I was lucky enough to meet both of them. They inspired me. Now Messi can enjoy future generations. I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity an artistry for a little bit longer. Don’t blink too often as Messi performs on the pitch. You miss something incredible from the man of the moment. Thank You, Leo.
-Roger Federer
Roger Federer’s ex-coach revealed that nobody loves the game more than Roger Federer
Roger Federer who retired in 2022 was once coached by Paul Annacone. He teamed up with him from 2010 to 2013 and he won two successive ATP Finals titles in 2010 and 2011 and a major at the 2012 Wimbledon Open.
In a recent podcast, he recalled his time with Federer and mentioned that Federer’s love for the game reigns supreme and that he always found joy in what he did.
This guy, I’ve never seen anyone, I don’t think, that loved the game, like he loves the game. I mean, all the time I was with him for those four years, never a day where it was arduous to get him on a practice court. Never a day where he didn’t find some joy in what he was doing.
-Paul Annacone in an interview
