Lionel Messi “never hides”: Pablo Zabaleta reveals what makes Messi a unique leader | OneFootball

What more can be said about Lionel Messi and his career?

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Major League Soccer in 2023 and subsequently broke several records, including leading Inter Miami to the club’s first-ever MLS Cup last winter.

With the World Cup upon us, and it likely to be Messi’s last tournament, it’s an appropriate time to look back at his legacy and how much of an impact he’s had on the sport, not only in the United States but globally.

In an interview with Flashscore.com, Messi’s former Argentina National Team teammate Pablo Zabaleta spoke on the 38-year-old’s leadership, his thoughts on the attacker’s move to Inter Miami, and whether or not Argentina can repeat as champions.

When asked about his ‘unique leadership style, Zabaleta waxed poetically about the ex-Barcelona forward, stating that his strength comes quietly.

“He's quiet, actually. He's not someone who talks constantly, but when Messi speaks in the dressing room, everyone listens,” he said.

”That's a rare kind of leadership, it comes from what he does on the pitch, from the fact that he never hides, never refuses responsibility, Zabaleta continued.

“He takes the ball and says, in effect, "I'll decide this."

That quiet leadership has, undoubtedly, been on display during Messi’s time at Inter Miami as well.

Between winning the Leagues Cup in his first season, the Supporters’ Shield the year after that, culminating in the team’s MLS Cup win vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps last December, Messi has been at the forefront of all three of these trophies for the Herons.

Though there was initial apprehension that he would even sign in MLS, Zabaleta believes that Messi’s move stateside was a great one.

“He went to PSG, then decided on Inter Miami, and I think at that stage of a career, sometimes you're looking for more than just football,” Zabaleta stated. “Miami is a wonderful place to raise a family, Inter Miami was a new and exciting project, and wherever Messi goes, he wins. He's already won the MLS Cup."

“Every club in the world would want him,” he added. “My son barely knew Inter Miami before Messi arrived; now he wants a Messi shirt. That's the power of the man.”

Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina: Group F - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil | Shaun Botterill - FIFA/GettyImages

And on Argentina’s chances to repeat as World Cup champions? Zabaleta says that Messi still has enough ‘juice’ left in him to lead la Albiceleste back to the promised land.

"Yes, Messi will be a few years older, but he is still capable of moments of pure magic,” he said.

“Opponents are still afraid of him near the penalty area - his dribbling, his vision for the killer pass, his ability to cut inside and find the far post, his free kicks. Only a player of his quality can create those moments.”