Five life lessons from Lionel Messi

Sports stars have their own fair share of responsibilities to shoulder. Of course, they might be the beating heart of a team of umpteen players, but they are also role-models for millions that walk our planet. People revere them like gods. Every minute detail about them is noted and followed in depth.

The footballing world has seen countless legends that have graced the pitch and made their mark on the game. They are an endless inspiration for millions who have grown up watching them. Fifty years from now, when people discuss the likes of Zidane and Ronaldinho and Beckham, one name will definitely sit on top of the pile in football folklore.

Lionel Messi.

The diminutive Argentine starts at a level where superlatives fail to reach him. He showcases magic beyond words and it often seems as though he was born to marvel people with his uncanny football skills. No player can sit on the same table as Leo Messi. You can search, but you will never find an Achilles heel in Messi's gameplay. He reigns above all.

But, why is he referred to as someone from another planet? After all, Gianluigi Buffon did confirm he was a human like us by touching him. So what makes him special and stand above the rest of us?

Rome was not built in a day and neither was Messi. He is human like the rest of us. But, it is his achievements that allow him to sit on the throne of the pantheon of the greatest ever to play the game. But today, we take a look at the factors that made him the titan he has become in football.

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#5: Fighting for your dreams

Hard work and sacrifices are the key ingredients to success.

You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.

That is what the superhero of millions has to say about fighting for your dreams. Hard work is the key ingredient to success.

Of course, Messi is a born talent and a pure natural when it comes to playing the game. But, that alone does not suffice. Hard work is an equally essential commodity to have if you want to reach the pinnacle. No wonder the little Argentine is so dextrous on the ball and a joy to watch. It all comes down to his hard work and ultimate sacrifices to be the best amongst all.

Surely, we can try to emulate and imbibe this quality in our daily lives. Giving your hundred percent is crucial if you desire to achieve anything in life.

#2: Mental ability

Messi's mental ability makes him unstoppable on every front.

I have many years to get better and better, and that has to be my ambition. The day you think there is no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player.

Over the years, the Blaugrana star has got clobbered by many tall defenders. Also, he has been jeered for having a short stature.

That, of course, is a hindrance. But, it has never been the obstacle that stopped him from becoming the greatest player ever to play the game. Even though he gets fouled constantly, Messi proves he is a champion by getting up and facing the hurdles that come his way.

His physical short-comings have never been able to stop him to achieve his goals. Mentally, he is stronger than we can even imagine. A quote by Tyrion Lannister in the Game of Thrones perfectly describes the Barcelona star.

Never forget who you are, the rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you.

Apparently, that's what Messi does. He uses his physical short-comings to gain pace and slither past defences. Regardless of all the obstacles, never stop believing yourself. You will definitely emerge as a champion then.

#3: Learning to accept failures

Leo knows how to handle failures.

Sometimes you have to accept you can't win all the time.

How terrible must it have been for Messi to lose to underdogs Chelsea in the Champions League in 2012? He had the chance to turn the game in Barca's favour with a penalty, and yet he missed it.

But, that's what life is all about. Failure is the stepping stone towards success. One can never enjoy being successful if he has never failed. And it's not the failures that make a difference. But, it is how you fall and still manage to get back up that matters. When the biggest star of the generation can accept this fact, I see no reason why we can't.

#2: Loyalty

Loyal players like Messi are very hard to find these days.

Barcelona is my life. They have brought me to where I am today. I could not leave, I don’t want to leave. I know the Premier League is very good. But I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always.

Leo Messi's quality to be loyal to his club sits like a crystal above all his attributes. Perhaps, it is his loyal gesture that gains him the respect he deserves.

On multiple times, the superstar from Rosario has turned down mouth-watering packages to stay with his beloved club. His loyalty to both club and country is exceptional above everything else. With money being the hot-dog in the present day, it is rare to find the devotion that Messi has shown to the Catalans.

In doing so, Messi proves that he hasn't forgotten the people who helped him achieve his goals. He owes it to them. Also, loyalty is one of the vital factors that helps him gain the upper hand above his arch-rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

No matter what you say, this is something for the commoners to learn!

#1: Humility

The Barcelona star is a living tribute to humility.

Being a bit famous now gives me the oppurtunity to help people who really need it, especially children.

Above all, the chief attribute that describes Messi both as a player and a person is his humility. The man has stayed grounded even after achieving the insane amount of fame and money. The above quote shows is an example of his generosity towards the needy. Great people always take responsibility for others. They know the greater purpose is to give and heal.

The highest accolade is not money, but recognition from fellow peers. His greatness as a player is acknowledged by his teammates and opponents all alike. And yet, Messi has seldom been arrogant towards people. Watch this video proving his eminence.

That is how he teaches us to be humble even after being a successful person in all aspects of life. Leo Messi, you beautiful soul. Take a bow.