Lionel Messi won his first-ever FIFA World Cup at Qatar 2022 after Argentina beat France in the tournament's final match. This is an especially triumphant victory for Messi, widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time with an 18 year long career - as he secured the trophy in what is likely his final World Cup.
Messi's incredible skill and athleticism on the field, paired with his dedication to physical fitness and training, make him a great role model for strength training and fitness enthusiasts looking to improve their own performance. In this blog post, we explore 3 things we can learn from Messi's training and fitness routine to help us reach our own fitness goals. From his tireless work ethic to his influence as a teammate and immense mental and physical preparation, Messi's approach to fitness can inspire us all to push ourselves to the next level.
“The day you think there are no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player.”
Messi is constantly pushing himself to evolve as a player - always looking for ways to improve his skills, fitness, and strategy, and working tirelessly to achieve this. The world’s greatest player could never be content with mediocrity - always seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth.
By applying this mindset to our own lives, we too can push ourselves to be our best - setting new goals and challenging ourselves constantly. This can lead to greater success and fulfillment in all areas of our lives.
“I'm lucky to be part of a team who help to make me look good, and they deserve as much of the credit for my success as I do for the hard work we have all put in on the training ground.”
Despite being one of the greatest players of all time, Messi is known for being humble and approachable, and for his willingness to support and encourage his teammates. He is a leader by example, always working hard and giving his best on and off the field. He is also a vocal leader, who encourages and motivates his teammates during the game, and gives credit to his teammates when they make a great play. He is a team player and is always willing to make sacrifices for the team's benefit. This attitude has earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches, making him a great captain and leader.
We can take lessons from Messi's leadership and team player qualities into our own lives. In the workplace, or any situation that requires collaboration, we do what we can to support and encourage our colleagues - celebrating their strengths and backing them up where they are weak. In our personal relationships, we can be supportive and encouraging of our loved ones - creating stronger and more fulfilling bonds.
“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”
Messi always knew he wanted to play professionally, and he stopped at nothing to achieve this dream. He made sacrifices, leaving his hometown in Argentina to join the youth academy at Barcelona to pursue his dream.
Messi's perseverance and dedication serve as an inspiration for us to follow our own dreams. Messi's example teaches us to have a clear vision of what we want and to make choices daily that will get us closer to it. There will be obstacles along the way, but that with determination and hard work, we can overcome them and get closer to our goals.
Train Like Messi
Deadlifts
Soccer players can benefit from performing deadlifts, which target multiple key muscles. They improve power and strength in the glutes, quads, adductors, hamstrings, lower back and core.
Never give up.
Lionel Messi's incredible victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup serves as a testament to over 18 years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to physical fitness and training. His approach to fitness and his mindset in constant pursuit of improvement serves as an inspiration for us strength training and fitness lovers.
By applying Messi's qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and humility to the workplace and our personal relationships, while visualizing our dreams and persevering through obstacles, we can live more fulfilled lives and reach our full potential.
