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'G.O.A.T recognises G.O.A.T' - Fans react to Roger Federer's lovely tribute to Lionel Messi for being named in TIME's magazine's elite list

Lionel Messi received a touching tribute from Roger Federer after being named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in 2023.

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Roger Federer & Lionel Messi

Roger Federer & Lionel Messi (Image credit: Twitter)

Roger Federer & Lionel Messi Roger Federer & Lionel Messi (Image credit: Twitter)

Lionel Messi received a touching tribute from Tennis Legend Roger Federer for being named in TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in 2023. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has been honoured for his outstanding performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, guiding his team to glory in Qatar. Messi, who received the Golden Ball award for scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the tournament, has been named TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in 2023.

Following his latest achievement, tennis legend Roger Federer sent a touching tribute to the 35-year-old, leaving fans pouring love on both greats. Messi's Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé has also been named to American news magazine Time's annual list of the world's 100 most influential people. While Messi led his nation to win the elusive trophy after 26 years, French sensation Mbappe stole the final with hat-trick goals. Meanwhile, Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo failed to achieve the feat.

“Lionel Messi’s goal-scoring records and championship wins need no recounting here. What stands out to me about Messi, 35, is his consistent greatness over so many years. This is so difficult to achieve, and then maintain. He dribbles like a magician, and his angular passes are works of art. His awareness and anticipation are almost beyond comprehension,” Federer wrote.

“My career has just come to an end. I now realize how much weight we athletes carry. But in our daily lives, we don’t even realize it. For a football player like Messi, that weight likely feels more massive, as he represents both a world-renowned club and a very passionate country,” he added.

Messi can inspire future generations: Federer

The 20-time Grand Slam champion also spoke about Argentina's World Cup victory and the celebrations of millions of fans across the globe. Federer also stated that Messi can inspire future generations in the same way that former Argentina legends Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta did.

“Argentina’s World Cup victory was magnificent. Millions of fans’ taking to the streets of Buenos Aires to celebrate was an amazing moment in sports, witnessed around the world. Even those who don’t follow football must have realized the true impact of the world’s most popular game.”

“Growing up, Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta were my favourite Argentine players. I was lucky enough to meet both of them. They inspired me. Now Messi can inspire future generations,” he added. “I can only hope we get to see his unique creativity and artistry for a little bit longer. Don’t blink too often as Messi performs on the pitch. You may miss something incredible from the man of the moment.”

Here's how fans reacted: 

Lionel Messi Roger Federer Kylian Mbappe