Messi interview with Fabrizio Romano | 433 x apple tv | Leonel Messi

Fabrizio: Leo, we have some questions for you. Are you going to play in the 2026 World Cup?

Messi: Not sure, it’s the first time I’ve been asked. Thanks for your time and the opportunity.

                                                          Here we go.

Fabrizio: Let’s start from the beginning, from the European leagues until now here in MLS. What attracted you to play here at Inter Miami in the United States?

Messi: Well, the club was just getting started, and it seemed like the right time for me too. They did a lot to make this happen, and the idea of contributing to that growth attracted me. So I’m happy to be here.

Fabrizio: How does MLS compare to other leagues?

Messi: There’s a lot of passion, which surprised me because I knew about the love for basketball and American football, but I thought soccer was a little less popular. It’s a very competitive league; it’s tough to play away games because the teams have strong fan bases. It’s surprising and enjoyable.

Fabrizio: What do you think about the talent here in MLS? Are they investing in future talent?

Messi: Yes, it’s a great opportunity for young players and for the league to continue growing. I think this helps to develop MLS and helps younger players come up as well.

Fabrizio: Have you changed your style since arriving at MLS, perhaps dribbling less and passing more?

Messi: I’ve had to adjust my style, partly because of my age and partly because the league was new to me. I’ve adapted to fit in here, and I’ve felt comfortable from the start.

Fabrizio: Reflecting on your first experience in MLS, it’s been a year full of challenges, a Copa America, and now the playoffs. What are your thoughts on the journey so far?

Messi: It’s been spectacular. To build a club, you need to win titles and be competitive. The club had a tough year before I joined, and soon after I arrived, we won the club’s first title, which was extraordinary. Now, we’re really motivated to face the playoffs and hopefully win the MLS title.

Fabrizio: How far can this team go, and what goals would you like to achieve with Inter Miami?

Messi: The club has no limits. That’s the philosophy—to always want more. They’ve shown it with everything they’ve done so far. The goal is to keep growing, both within MLS and globally.

Fabrizio: What does it mean to reach the playoffs in MLS? This season, you broke the club record for points. How did the team celebrate that?

Messi: We were happy to celebrate that achievement because it was challenging and important. But we know that the real title we want is the MLS championship, and we’re focused on the playoffs.

Fabrizio: What will be key to achieving something historic?

Messi: Throughout the year, we made some mistakes that we could avoid, small errors that can’t happen in the playoffs because they could cost us. We need to be even stronger and make the most of our advantages.

Fabrizio: How do you feel about Inter Miami’s chances of winning the MLS Cup?

Messi: I think we’re one of the favorites, but there are tough teams, and the competition will be difficult. But we have respect for the other teams, and they respect us too.

Fabrizio: Now, some quick questions from 433, in our style. When you’re at home with your kids, what games do you play?

Messi: Mostly with a soccer ball—always some little games, touches, passes. Sometimes we play video games, but generally, it’s with a ball.

Fabrizio: Do you give them advice when they play with the ball?

Messi: It depends on the moment and on which of my three kids it is—some are more intense than others. I play with them, and sometimes they even give me advice when they watch a match.

Fabrizio: What other sports do you like outside of soccer?

Messi: I like padel and basketball. I like playing padel the most.

Fabrizio: You’ve had so many iconic moments on and off the field. Anything funny that we don’t know about?

Messi: Lots of funny things with fans; sometimes they go to extremes that you wouldn’t believe. I’m from Argentina, where fans are very passionate, and I’ve seen people do anything to get a photo or just say hi. Italy is similar, too.

Fabrizio: Do you have any special routines for relaxing before a game? Music, maybe? What do you do in the locker room?

Messi: I usually drink mate, depending on the game time, but no special routines.

Fabrizio: Your guilty pleasure when it comes to food?

Messi: Ice cream. I’m not really into food, but I love desserts.

Fabrizio: We know you’re a fan of superhero action figures. If there were a Leo Messi action figure, what superpower would it have?

Messi: Hmm… maybe invisibility or the ability to fly.

Fabrizio: Let’s talk a bit about the national team and the World Cup. Are you ready?

Fabrizio: Leo, will you play in the 2026 World Cup in the United States?

Messi: I don’t know, honestly. I’ve been asked a lot, especially in Argentina. I want to finish this year well, have a good preseason next year, which I didn’t have last year due to all the travel. Then I’ll see how I feel. We’re close to it, but at the same time, a lot can happen in soccer. I prefer to live day by day without thinking too far ahead.

Fabrizio: What do you see as the next step in your career? Maybe coaching?

Messi: I don’t know. I don’t think I’d like to be a coach, but I’m not clear on what I might do after. Right now, I appreciate each day more than before, and I focus on playing, training, and enjoying the moment.

Fabrizio: Last question—how would you like people to remember you? As the family guy, the Messi who won everything, or the kid from Rosario who conquered the world?

Messi: I’m not sure. However people want to remember me is fine. I’m grateful for the career I’ve had and for everything I achieved. I achieved my biggest dream—winning a World Cup. I was lucky to win everything with Barcelona and with the national team and to have a wonderful life and family. I’m thankful to God for all of it. People can remember me however they like.

Fabrizio: Any favorite? The family one?

Messi: Yeah, family.