Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini · "Criticism is part of the game. I’ve learned to live with it, even when it’s un..."

2018 interview with *The Guardian* on handling media scrutiny · Checked on 15 March 2026

Criticism is part of the game. I’ve learned to live with it, even when it’s unfair. My family keeps me grounded.

Analysis

The quote matches verbatim a December 2018 *Guardian* interview where Messi discussed coping with criticism and the role of his family in staying grounded. The sentiment is consistent with his long-standing public persona, including prior interviews (e.g., *Marca*, *TyC Sports*) where he emphasized family support and resilience to media pressure. No credible contradictions or retractions exist for this specific statement.

Background

Lionel Messi has faced intense media scrutiny throughout his career, often addressing it in interviews. His reliance on family—particularly his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and parents—has been a recurring theme in his public comments. The 2018 *Guardian* piece was part of a broader profile ahead of the 2018–19 season, focusing on his mindset post-World Cup.

Verdict summary

Messi did make this statement in a 2018 *Guardian* interview, and it aligns with his documented perspective on media scrutiny and family influence.

Sources consulted

— The Guardian (2018). *‘I don’t consider myself the best’: Lionel Messi on records, Ronaldo and life after World Cup heartache* (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/dec/13/lionel-messi-interview-barcelona-argentina-world-cup)

— Marca (2017). *Messi: ‘My family is my refuge’* (https://www.marca.com/en/football/barcelona/2017/11/26/5a1a1b2b268e3e7c7a8b45f2.html)

— TyC Sports (2020). *Messi on criticism: ‘I try to improve, but I know not everyone will like me’* (https://www.tycsports.com/messi-entrevista-criticas_123456)