"The God of Football Stopped in Front of Me": Messi's 'Mixed Zone' Heartwarming Story Left by a Reporter in a Wheelchair... "As Expected, World-Class Character"

*This content was translated by AI.

'The God of Football,' Lionel Messi (40), was reported to have shown consideration for a reporter in a wheelchair by agreeing to an interview.

On the 8th (Korea time), shortly after winning the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean Cup Round of 16 match against Egypt, Messi left the mixed zone, spotted Manu Gutierrez, a Venezuelan reporter in a wheelchair, stopped his steps, and answered the reporter's questions.

Reporter Gutierrez shared related videos on his social media (SNS) that day, stating, "There was no need to make great efforts to convey Messi's story. He immediately stopped and made time to answer our questions."

This is not the first time Messi has conducted an interview with Reporter Gutierrez. In an interview released last month via Spain's 'Ola,' Messi responded to questions about the all-time World Cup goal record, saying, "I have never been conscious of personal records. The results for the team always come first."

Regarding his background for participating in the North, Central America and Caribbean Cup, he stated, "I have tried to maintain the highest level even after joining Inter Miami, and I am happy to be here because my physical condition is good."

Meanwhile, Messi currently shares the top spot with eight goals after France's Kylian Mbappé scored in the Round of 16 match against Morocco on the 10th. Aiming for his first-ever World Cup Golden Boot, Messi will challenge to return to sole leadership in scoring and break the all-time record of consecutive goal-scoring in 10 matches at the Round of 16 match against Switzerland on the 12th.

With a total of 21 career World Cup goals, Messi currently leads this category. Attention is focused on whether he can fend off the chase from players like Erling Haaland (7 goals) and Harry Kane (6 goals) in this tournament and secure the Golden Boot title as well.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.