Much has been said and written about today’s football superstars, with the bulk of it related to the astronomical sums they earn, their penchants and affluent, giddying lifestyles which, more often than not, hint at a lack of humility in the way some conduct themselves with the delusion that they are indeed icons to be deified on pedestals.
Oddly, however, one particular icon who has certainly long been ascribed, and most deservedly too, the much-coveted GOAT status by his legions of adoring fans across the globe and worshipped as being almost ‘other-worldly’ and ‘extra-terrestrial’ on the pitch the last two decades since his Achilles’ feet graced and glided across the fields of football, has always been able to plant the same pair of magical feet firmly to the ground when off the pitch, rooted always endearingly in true humility – Lionel Messi.
The Argentine – gargantuan in football stature despite being diminutive in size – has always quietly shown his humility and sincere motivation to excel, not only for himself but always with those on the pitch around him, as he eschews individual achievements and self-glory.
And now, Argentina’s only other most-loved national icon, besides the incorrigible Diego Maradona, has again shown more clearly than ever his humility and purity of intentions after apparently accepting a humongous 50 percent pay cut to remain at Barcelona, whilst the rest of the senior players have allegedly refused to do the same.
There are of course no doubts that Messi will still somehow be handsomely remunerated over the course of a reported new five-year deal, which he most definitely deserves, after all. But kudos to him still that the Argentinian is once again leading by example, not only on the pitch as always but also this time off it with his beloved club mired abysmally in the depths of financial destitution.
If the best player in the world has no problem with taking a massive decrease in his weekly wage, then hopefully others will follow his example.
At least that’s what Joan Laporta, with fingers firmly crossed, will be hoping as he continues to help Barca slash their way out of the club’s current financial woes.
Messi could easily have settled for a cushy deal and earned a lot more money elsewhere, but his latest commitment to renew with Barcelona shows he was only ever interested in trying to do a deal with the club of his life.
A club whom he will be hoping to lead to domestic and European glory again in the time he has left to do it all once again.
With Josep Maria Bartomeu’s reign now permanently consigned to the dark portal of infamy in the time tunnel of history, the only way left now is onwards and upwards for the Catalans.
Lionel Messi is all set to continue his long and proud association with Barcelona.
Rivals – beware!