Neither Maradona nor Ronaldinho : Lionel Messi surprises everyone and reveals his idol !

Before he became a global icon admired by young footballers everywhere, Lionel Messi was once a young player with his own idols. As a child, he was particularly inspired by Pablo Aimar, a former Argentine international and River Plate star. For young Messi, who was training at FC Barcelona’s academy and aspiring to be a professional footballer, Aimar represented more than just a player; he was a true role model.

While other legends like Ronaldinho and Maradona were widely celebrated, it was Pablo Aimar, who also played for Valencia, who had the greatest impact on Messi. Although Messi admired these iconic players, it was Aimar, the former Benfica midfielder, who inspired him the most.

Messi once stated, “My idol or my model in the world of football is and always will be Pablo Aimar. I’ve admired him since I was very young. He’s the player I loved watching the most.”

To Messi, Aimar represented footballing elegance and creativity. This admiration shaped Messi’s own approach to the game, as he blended finesse, vision, and technical skill into his unique style. Aimar’s influence on Messi highlights that even the greatest athletes have their heroes, those who inspire their dreams and drive them to achieve excellence.