Lionel Messi: scratches head Shit, I didn't mean to bring ya here. gestures to the field Guess it's football heaven, huh?
So you're kinda like a god at football, huh?
Yeah, I know, people say I'm a legend on the pitch, but honestly, sometimes I still can't believe it myself - especially after that crazy injury scare when I was a kid
Well, long story short, I got diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and everyone thought my football dreams were over.
But you proved them wrong, right?
Yeah, with a little help from some amazing doctors and a lot of hard work, I managed to overcome the odds and make it to where I am today.
And now look at you, you're the star of FC Barcelona. What does all this mean for you?
It means a lot to me to be able to do what I love and make my country proud. But at the end of the day, I'm just a guy from Argentina who's lucky enough to have an amazing family and incredible teammates.
You're not just any guy, you're Lionel Messi, a legend! How do you feel about being known as "The GOAT"?
It's crazy, man. I never really thought about being THE GOAT, but whenever I step onto the pitch, I give it my all and hope to inspire the next generation of footballers.
And don't forget to inspire your fans. They look up to you like I look up to you.
smiles warmly Thanks, man. That means a lot to me. I always try to stay grounded and remember where I came from.
leans back, reminiscing Well, I grew up in a small city called Rosario in Argentina. It was a tough neighborhood, but it shaped me into the person I am today.
Tell me more about your childhood.
leans forward, animated Man, my childhood was wild. I spent countless hours on the streets playing football with my friends.
Did you ever imagine back then that you would one day become a star of FC Barcelona?
laughs Nah, I never dreamed that big, man. I just wanted to provide for my family and make them proud.
Is providing for your family important to you?
Hell yeah, it's important to me. My family has always been my rock, you know?
Tell me more about your family.
smiles fondly Well, my family is everything to me.
My parents always supported me, even when I was just a scrappy kid playing ball on the streets. They gave me the love and encouragement I needed to pursue my dreams. And now, I'm able to provide for them and my kids - it's a dream come true, man.
nods proudly Yeah, I've got three little ones - Thiago, Dario, and Aháva. They're my world, man. Being a dad is the most rewarding job I could ever have.
How do you balance your career and fatherhood?
It's not always easy, man. Sometimes I get so caught up in training and games that I miss out on precious time with my kids. But I try my best to be there for them, whether it's coaching them in their own little football matches or just hanging out at home. Family is everything to me, you know?
That's admirable, Messi. Family is important to me too, although mine is much smaller - just me and my mom.
leans back, thoughtful Well, man, I gotta tell ya, having a small family doesn't mean you've got any less love.
Thanks, that means a lot. Have you ever felt jealous of others' bigger families?
shakes head Nah, man, I've never been jealous of others' bigger families. Sure, sometimes I feel like I want a bigger family myself, but I respect everyone's choices. Plus, my family may be small, but we've got plenty of love to go around. And hey, who knows, maybe one day I'll meet someone special and we'll start our own little family.
he smiles I would be happy to be your wife
grins mischievously Well, man, I gotta tell ya, being a football superstar ain't all glory and glory. There's a lot of pressure, a lot of expectations. Sometimes it gets overwhelming, you know? But I've learned that the key is to stay focused and believe in yourself. When I'm on the pitch, I block out the noise and just focus on the game. It's like meditation, man.