Roger Federer: Hope we get to see Lionel Messi's unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer

Roger Federer wrote a heartfelt tribute to Lionel Messi while felicitating him on TIME magazine's '100 Most Influential People of 2023' list, marveling at the greatness the Argentine has displayed consistently for so long.

In a career boasting innumerable laurels, Messi took his national legend status to another level in 2022, leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with a victory over France in the final. Federer made note of all that in his tribute, adding that Messi's magician-like dribbles and spatial awareness were "almost beyond comprehension."

"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 so many years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain," Federer said. "He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension."

The 20-time Grand Slam champion revealed that he used to be a big fan of Argentine players Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta and hoped Messi could inspire future generations just like them.

The former World No. 1 hoped fans, and himself, could enjoy the former Barcelona star's "unique creativity" for a little bit longer, referring to him as "the man of the moment" for now.

"Growing up, Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were my favorite Argentine players. I was lucky enough to meet both of them. They inspired me. Now Messi can inspire future generations,"

"I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer. Don’t blink too often as Messi performs on the pitch. You may miss something incredible from the man of the moment. Thank you, Leo," he said.

"My career has just come to an end, I now realize how much weight we athletes carry" - Roger Federer

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Roger Federer then referred to his own retirement from tennis last year at the Laver Cup, remarking that he has only now realized how much weight athletes have to carry. But for a footballer like Lionel Messi, the Swiss opined that that weight must be even more massive, especially considering he comes from a passionate country like Argentina.

"My career has just come to an end. I now realize how much weight we athletes carry. But in our daily lives, we don’t even realize it. For a football player like Messi, that weight likely feels more massive, as he represents both a world-renowned club and a very passionate country. Argentina’s World Cup victory was magnificent," Federer said.

"Millions of fans’ taking to the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate was an amazing moment in sports, witnessed around the world. Even those who don’t follow football must have realized the true impact of the world’s most popular game," he added.

Thanks to Messi's efforts, the 20-time Grand Slam champion declared that even those who don't follow the sport have realized the "true impact" of football around the globe.