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What Lionel Messi Teaches Us About Team Building

“Individual awards are nice, but the most important thing is the team.” — Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is often spoken about in terms of records, trophies, and moments of individual brilliance that seem almost unreal. The goals, the assists, the accolades, all of it has cemented his place as one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen. But if you look closely at Messi’s journey, there’s a quieter story running alongside the headlines, one that is deeply rooted in teamwork.

Despite possessing extraordinary talent, Messi has never portrayed success as a solo achievement. Time and time again, he has reminded the world that football is, above all, a team sport. His greatness did not emerge in isolation, it flourished in teams that trusted one another, worked in harmony, and shared a common purpose.

One of the clearest examples of Messi’s team-first mindset is how often he chooses to pass when the moment could easily bring him personal glory. Throughout his career, he has consistently assisted teammates who were better positioned to score, even when taking the shot himself would have added to his already impressive goal tally. For Messi, the success of the play has always mattered more than the statistics attached to his name.
 

Another powerful reflection of this mindset is how he celebrates success. Rather than claiming the spotlight, Messi frequently turns toward the teammate who scored, pointing them out, embracing them, or quietly stepping aside to let them enjoy the moment. These gestures may seem small, but they send a strong message of trust and inclusion, reinforcing that every contribution matters.

Perhaps one of the most telling examples of his leadership came during Argentina’s later international successes. Instead of positioning himself as the sole hero, Messi consistently acknowledged the collective effort, crediting his teammates and coaching staff before speaking about his own role. His leadership evolved from individual brilliance to collective responsibility, a shift that played a significant role in transforming the team’s culture and success.
 
Messi’s leadership style challenges the traditional idea that leaders must be the loudest voices in the room. Instead, he shows us that humility, consistency, and respect for others can be just as powerful. By putting the team first, he creates an environment where others feel confident, trusted, and motivated to give their best.
 
At the same time, Messi’s story is a reminder that teamwork does not dilute individual excellence, it enhances it. His exceptional talent remained undeniable, but it was the collective effort around him that allowed it to shine repeatedly, season after season. Great teams don’t suppress brilliance, they create space for it to thrive.
 
On a personal note, this is what I have always admired most about Messi and why he’s always been my favourite through all these years. Beyond the awards and the applause, it is his commitment to team play and his humility that stand out. In a world that often celebrates individual success, his approach reinforces a powerful belief Real impact is created when individuals succeed together.
 
Whether on the football field or within organizations, the lesson remains the same. Sustainable success is built when people trust one another, play to their strengths, and work toward something bigger than themselves. Individual awards may recognize excellence, but it is the team that truly creates it.
 

Racheal Coutinho

Customer Experience Specialist

Korelate Learning

Racheal is a Customer Experience Specialist at Korelate Learning, where she blends empathy, organization, and communication to create seamless and positive client experiences. With a background in Business Development and Operations Management from Seneca Polytechnic, she ensures every interaction is thoughtful, efficient, and people-centered. Known for her approachable nature and attention to detail, Racheal takes pride in making every engagement meaningful. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and discovering cultures that bring people together.

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