FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — On Thursday, Lionel Messi of Inter Miami achieved a significant milestone by being honored with the inaugural MARCA America Award, a recognition conferred by the Spanish media outlet. This award celebrates Messi’s illustrious career in soccer, marked by an astounding total of 46 trophies earned at the club and national level, alongside an impressive collection of at least 56 personal accolades.

During a Q&A session held at Chase Stadium, the home ground of Inter Miami, Messi reflected on his remarkable journey, stating in Spanish, “It has been quite the journey. We have experienced so many beautiful things but also complicated moments. In 20 years not everything is beautiful. You cannot win all the time.”

Among Messi’s achievements, the crowning glory remains the 2022 World Cup victory with Argentina, a triumph that solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Despite being 37 years old, Messi’s thirst for success isn’t quenched; he continues to strive for additional titles. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, he has already made a significant impact, similar to his past successes with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Although Messi faced challenges this season, including an ankle injury and national team duties that limited him to just 18 MLS matches, he has still managed to score 17 goals and provide 15 assists, propelling Miami towards the 2024 Supporters Shield. The team’s strong performance has earned them home-field advantage for the upcoming MLS Cup playoffs, set to begin next week.

Reflecting on his achievements, Messi shared, “I was able to achieve the biggest prize, which is the World Cup. It is the trophy all of us want when we start playing and I managed to fulfill my dream. We won many titles in Barcelona and Paris. Now we are here with the objective to fight hard for another title.”

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to extend through the next season, and following his recent exploits—where he netted three goals and assisted twice in a 6-0 win over Bolivia during a World Cup qualifier—he shows no signs of slowing down. He remains committed to the Argentine national team as they prepare for the next World Cup cycle.

“I still have a deep love for this sport and I will continue to aspire to win more titles,” Messi stated. “At this level, you have to enjoy things day by day.”

Inter Miami has one final regular-season match scheduled at home against New England this Saturday. A victory would not only bolster their standing but also set a new MLS record for points in a single season, with 72, surpassing New England’s total from 2021.