Lionel Messi doesn't deny GOAT nickname but still considers Diego Maradona the best.

Lionel Messi has finally spoken about who his GOAT (Greatest of All Time) role model has always been. He places Argentine football legend Diego Maradona at the top.

In an interview with NBC, journalist Tomás Llamas greeted him with the term that often sparks global football debates, "You’re the GOAT, is that right?"

Messi simply smiled. A modest reaction from a player considered one of the world’s best.

For Argentinians, Maradona is Always the Best

When asked about his sporting role models, Messi named several greats from various sports. But he placed Diego Maradona first.

"In football, for us Argentinians, Maradona has always been the best, our greatest legend of all time," said Messi.

"Even when I was young, Diego transcended everything. He was something beyond all limits."

This statement reveals the depth of Messi's reverence for the legend. Although he is now seen as surpassing Maradona's records, Messi still considers his idol an irreplaceable symbol for the Argentine people.

From Michael Jordan to Nadal

Beyond football, Messi also mentioned several cross-sport athletes who inspire him.

"If we talk about other sports, I think something similar happened with Michael Jordan. I also greatly admire tennis players like Rafa Nadal. In my opinion, those three players (Nadal, Federer, Djokovic) have made the competition far greater than before," Messi stated.

He also made sure to mention NBA greats.

"In basketball, LeBron James and Stephen Curry are players I deeply admire, and I believe they've contributed immensely to their sport in their respective ways."

Messi and GOAT Status: Countless Titles, Untouchable Records

The GOAT title for Messi isn't without reason. He has conquered nearly every competition, both at club and national team levels.

From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, and now at Inter Miami, Messi has lifted dozens of trophies. With the Argentine national team, he won the Olympics, Copa América, and the pinnacle, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This string of achievements makes Messi the record holder for the most Ballon d’Or wins in history, with 8 victories, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo (5).

The Humble GOAT

The title "greatest of all time" might sound heavy, but Messi carries it calmly. He doesn't deny it, but he doesn't boast either.

His smile when called the GOAT seems to affirm that the title isn't just about trophy achievements, but also about attitude.

It is here that Lionel Messi proves that even at the world's summit, he keeps his feet on the ground.