Still the GOAT? Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi told how he would fare at futsal by fellow Argentina international

Messi has achieved just about everything in his chosen profession – with the 2022 World Cup winner now the most decorated player of all-time and the undisputed GOAT in the eyes of many. He is currently on the books of MLS side Inter Miami and still has more major silverware in his sights at 36 years of age.

Messi has mastered a standard football pitch and size five ball, but how would he get on if he moved into the fast-paced, super creative world of futsal? Tripodi told FIFA’s official website when that question was put to him – with the current Argentina star also a big fan of Boca Juniors legend Juan Roman Riquelme: “Messi would be the ultimate. Doing what Riquelme would do but with countless goals as well.”

Many youngsters in South America grow up playing futsal, which helps to hone their technical ability. Quizzed on whether superstars at the top of the global football game – such as Messi – could transfer their skill set, Tripodi added: “It’s easier for a futsal player to move to 11-a-side than vice-versa. That’s not because of a lack of technical skills, but because tactically futsal is very fast and dynamic... It takes years to master it. When it comes to decision-making and positional sense, a futsal player is usually quicker to process these things. That said, there are certain players, like Messi, who could surely transition and make the same or better decisions than a futsal player.”

Messi will not be taking in a career change any time soon as he is tied to a contract at Inter Miami through to 2025 – with the option for another year beyond that. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also has more trophies to compete for on an international stage, with Argentina preparing to defend Copa America and World Cup crowns in 2024 and 2026 respectively.