Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi, two football legends, had an intimate conversation about life and football.
When asked to use three words to describe Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane said: “Maybe I just need one word, and that is magic.” The former French player had many compliments for Messi in a recent conversation.
Zidane believes that he and Messi have similar footballing mindsets. Therefore, the former Real Madrid midfielder regrets not having played on the same team as his Argentine junior.
“For me, today is an important day, because I can tell Messi that I admire him very much. Messi really has magic, pure magic. Before receiving the ball, he knows what to do next. I think Messi and I have a connection. Because when I watch him play on the pitch, I almost predict what Messi will do,” Zidane shared.
Lionel Messi meets Zinedine Zidane in an exchange program.
Messi also has great respect for his French predecessor: “ For me, Zidane is one of the greatest players in history. I had a lot of difficulties every time I faced Real Madrid. He is a completely different type of player with a perfect skill set and the elegance of a gentleman on the field.”
Zidane then asked Messi if the most important goal of his career was the one in the World Cup final. The Argentine superstar replied: “Both you and I can be proud of that moment. A beautiful pass in the World Cup final is enough to make me happy.”
Sharing about his biggest regret, Messi said: “I don’t regret the path I took. There was both joy and sadness. If I could choose to play a match again, it would probably be the 2014 World Cup final. It still leaves me with many regrets.”
Before concluding the conversation, Messi, on behalf of Zidane, sent a message to the younger generation of players: “We are the lucky ones to have come this far on the path we have chosen. We always keep our feet on the ground, try to behave humbly and show respect to others. That is what I have always been taught since I was a child.
Take advantage of the opportunity and put your heart into it. Also, we need a little luck, because there are many talented people pursuing this path.”
