‘We used to wonder who would come after Maradona… then Messi appeared’: IM Vijayan

Thrissur: Celebrated former Indian footballer IM Vijayan has shared his thoughts on Lionel Messi’s decision to step away from international duty, stating that there is "no chance of finding another Messi" and describing the decision as a profound loss for sports enthusiasts worldwide.

The 39-year-old icon, affectionately dubbed La Pulga, called time on his legendary international career with Argentina on August 31.

Speaking to ANI, Vijayan expressed that the news has disappointed football admirers regardless of their team loyalties.

"Messi's retirement is very sad news. Not just for Argentina fans, but for everyone around the world. Everyone knows Messi is a great player, so it's a very sad moment for everyone. There's no chance of finding another Messi. We know how many awards he's won; he's won every award in the world," Vijayan told ANI.

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Reflecting on Messi’s decorated trajectory—which features multiple Ballon d'Or trophies alongside a FIFA World Cup title—Vijayan also pondered the personal factors that may have influenced the decision.

"He's won the Ballon d'Or and the World Cup. It's sad because his father used to go to the stadium to watch his matches. Now that his father has passed away, I think that's why he's retiring. Otherwise, there was no chance of him retiring," he said.

The former Indian striker noted that Messi remains in peak condition, pointing to his dominant outings for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

"I recently saw the Inter Miami match where they won with seven goals; Messi scored four goals himself. He also assisted Suarez. He has the game, the skill. I don't know who the next Messi will be, but our only sorrow is that Messi won't be in the Argentina team anymore. This is very sad for football fans worldwide," Vijayan said.

Comparing Messi’s standing to that of late legend Diego Maradona, Vijayan recalled how football fans once wondered who could ever match Maradona's influence until Messi emerged.

"Even if someone is a Brazil fan, Messi is Messi. No one else like him will come. We used to wonder who would come after Maradona. Maradona is God. We wondered who would follow him, and then Messi appeared," he said.

While noting that every athlete eventually faces the end of their playing days, Vijayan remained optimistic about the pipeline of talent coming through Argentina's ranks.

"Messi's retirement--as you age, you have to retire eventually. Messi will leave, and other players will come; there are many young talents. They will come up. It will be very good if they get a chance," he concluded. (ANI)