The Enduring Brilliance of Lionel Messi: A Genius on Our Planet
Lionel Messi is considered to be a “genius on our planet” and at 38 years of age, he continues to shine as a world beater in any league. Rob Earnshaw, a former Premier League and MLS star, believes that Messi's unique talents transcend borders and that he could excel on a Champions League stage. Read on to discover why Messi's impact on the global game will leave a monumental 'hangover' when he eventually retires.
Lionel Messi is considered to be a “genius on our planet” and would, at 38 years of age, remain a world beater in any league across the globe. The Argentine GOAT has been starring in MLS with Inter Miami, helping them to historic titles, and Rob Earnshaw has told GOAL why the South American superstar could still do a job in Europe and on a Champions League stage.Messi has previously illuminated La Liga and Ligue 1 with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, helping himself to domestic and continental trophies. He has also become a World Cup winner with Argentina and has eight Ballons d’Or to his name.Despite approaching the end of what has been a record-shattering career, there has been no sign of the all-time great slowing down. He delivered MLS Cup glory to South Florida in 2025, while helping himself to Golden Boot and MVP honours.Messi is now tied to a deal at Inter Miami through 2028, meaning that he is unlikely to ply his club trade for a fourth team, but he is being tipped to remain at the very top of the global game until the day comes for his unique talents to be taken off into retirement.Ex-Premier League and MLS star Earnshaw - speaking via casino.us, best us online casino - told GOAL when asked if Messi could still star in European football after conquering America: “What you see from Messi, we have been seeing for years. I remember his first goal [for Barcelona] when he comes on and Ronaldinho flicks it over the defender and he goes and lobs the goalkeeper. We are still seeing the same things. At Barcelona, in La Liga, one of the biggest leagues in the world, we are seeing the same things. He has done it to the very best and he continues to do it now to whoever he plays against.“The thing about Messi is, he can play in any league until he retires. That is just the level of the genius that we have got on our planet! We have got to realise that this is a very unique thing. We might not ever see another Messi again. The overall picture, the overall career, the titles, being able to make his whole team better, we might never see another Messi again.“That guy can play in any league. Until he retires, he can choose whichever league it is. I have never been able to see or say this about another player - until he retires he can choose the league he plays in and will be the best in that league. That is the level this guy has been at.”Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Ex-Wales international Earnshaw - who spent time in MLS with Toronto FC, the Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps - added on Messi setting standards that will never be matched: “We must enjoy it while we can because after this there is going to be a big hangover in football. There has already started to be a little bit, but there is going to be a big hangover that we are going to be very sad in because there is a possibility we might not see this again.“For me, I watched La Liga before Messi and watched La Liga after Messi - the joy that he brings to football, that’s the key. It’s not about whether you like this player or that player, this team or that team, just as a football fan, this guy has brought incredible things and things that can normally only be done on a computer game, on FIFA on the PlayStation!“It’s really special that we get to see that still. But he can play in any league and any international team as well. He could play in the Champions League right now. Three weeks before he retires, he would still be able to play at that level.“The key is being able to make an impact, and that is what he brings. In every little detail and area of his game, he will be able to make an impact in any league. That is why he can choose. It doesn’t matter if he is playing against Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Vancouver Whitecaps, LA Galaxy, he will still be able to make a big impact in any game.”Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingMessi is currently wowing audiences in South America as part of Inter Miami’s pre-season tour ahead of the 2026 MLS campaign. He is happy in the US, meaning that no return to Europe will be made any time soon, and is expected to form part of Argentina’s World Cup title defence this summer.
The Unmatched Legacy of Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, often referred to as the Argentine GOAT, has left an indelible mark on football history with his mesmerizing skills and unparalleled achievements. From his early days at Barcelona to his current stint at Inter Miami, Messi has consistently raised the bar for excellence in the sport. With a plethora of domestic and international accolades, including multiple Ballons d’Or and a World Cup triumph with Argentina, Messi's legacy is truly incomparable.
A Global Icon at 38
Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Messi shows no signs of slowing down. His recent success in the MLS, where he secured the MLS Cup, Golden Boot, and MVP honors, proves that he remains a dominant force on the field. Rob Earnshaw's assertion that Messi could flourish in any league until he retires underscores the Argentine's exceptional talent and adaptability.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Talent
Earnshaw's admiration for Messi goes beyond his on-field prowess, emphasizing the joy and magic that Messi brings to the game. The Welsh footballer highlights Messi’s ability to make an impact in every facet of his game, a quality that sets him apart from his peers. As Messi continues to defy expectations and delight fans worldwide, his legacy as a footballing genius is secure.
The Inevitable 'Hangover' in Football
As fans marvel at Messi's continued brilliance, there looms a sense of impending loss once he decides to retire. Earnshaw's prediction of a 'big hangover' in football aptly captures the sentiment shared by many supporters. The prospect of witnessing another player of Messi's caliber may be elusive, making it imperative to relish every moment of his extraordinary career.
Looking Ahead
While Messi's current focus remains on Inter Miami and Argentina's World Cup campaign, his impact transcends individual matches and championships. As fans eagerly await his next move, whether in the MLS or potentially in Europe, one thing remains certain – Lionel Messi's legacy as a footballing genius will endure for generations to come.
