TheInspired Sage
Michał Kwiatkowski during time trial of Itzulia Basque Country race - stage 1
Sports & Competition✓ Verified source
“
It was a source of great pride to wear this jersey for over 20 years. I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. I would love to keep coming back forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.
Lionel Messi
— Lionel Messi
Footballer
Quoted in "Messi caps Argentina farewell with a penalty and 2 assists in a 3-0 win over Benin", AP News (October 7, 2026)

About this quote

Attributed to
Lionel Messi
Source
Quoted in "Messi caps Argentina farewell with a penalty and 2 assists in a 3-0 win over Benin", AP News (October 7, 2026)
Culture / tradition
Argentine
Attribution status
✓ Verified source
Verification
Primary reference

Photo: Hugo LUC · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Portrait: Bryan Berlin (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Reflect

Where are you training when no one is watching?

The Sage Challenge

Encourage a teammate, colleague or friend before they compete.

Join to journal, save & shareCreate a share image

Watch & listen

Best Athlete Motivation and Inspiration

Eric Anderson·Sports
Featured in one of the Sage books

Best Motivational Video- Speeches Compilation Long

Fernando Ruiz·Sports
Featured in one of the Sage books

Bruce Lee: Be like water (Inspirational)

MAX ASSOCIATES·Sports
Featured in one of the Sage books

More from Lionel Messi & related wisdom

“It was a source of great pride to wear this jersey for over 20 years. I never stopped fighting, never stopped …” — Lionel Messi · The Inspired Sage