Lionel Messi, the renowned football legend, has expressed his excitement about being featured in the lyrics of various music tracks by top artists, including Nigeria’s Burna Boy. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Messi shared his joy over this unique form of recognition.
Messi and his rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, have become popular figures in the music industry, often used as symbols of greatness in songs by famous musicians. Apple Music even boasts a dedicated playlist featuring songs that mention Messi, with contributions from artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Stormzy, Bad Bunny, and Lil Uzi Vert.
During the interview, Messi revealed that his sons are delighted to hear his name in songs. “My sons also enjoy it, and they are surprised to hear my name in a song. It’s actually really nice to be part of music from that angle,” Messi said (via Billboard.com).
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner expressed his gratitude to the artists who have mentioned him in their lyrics. “For me, it is very moving, and I am grateful to those who did it because I know that in all the lyrics, they mention me with lots of affection, flattering me for some reason,” he added.
Messi also talked about his love for music and how it has always been a part of his life and career. “We listen to music in our everyday lives or before the matches and after the matches as well. The football environment and the locker room have music constantly. Generally, music is present in everything we do,” he explained.
Reflecting on his long career, Messi noted, “I’ve always had that craze of listening to music going to games or listening to music before matches. During my whole career, it’s always been this way. Football and music coexist in a lot of these moments and places.”
Messi and Ronaldo are widely regarded as two of the greatest footballers of all time, with numerous individual achievements that have cemented their legacy in the sport.
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