For Venezuelan journalist Manu Gutiérrez, interviewing Lionel Messi was never just a professional goal. It was a dream years in the making. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, that dream became reality in an unforgettable moment that has resonated with football fans and journalists around the world.
Gutiérrez, who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, secured a brief but meaningful interview with Messi following Argentina’s final World Cup warm-up match against Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Alabama.
© Getty ImagesThe reigning world champions delivered a convincing 3-0 victory, with Messi once again at the center of attention. After starting on the bench, the Argentine captain entered in the second half and quickly made his mark. The strike also placed Messi in the record books once again. At 38 years, 11 months, and 18 days old, according to Infobae, he became the oldest player ever to score for Argentina, surpassing the previous mark held by Ángel Labruna.
Yet for many observers, the most memorable moment of the evening happened after the final whistle. As Messi signed autographs and greeted supporters, he heard Gutiérrez calling out from the crowd. The journalist, surrounded by fans, introduced himself and asked for a question. Messi immediately stopped, shook his hand, moved people aside to create space, and agreed to answer not one but two questions.
Gutiérrez first asked Messi about being only four goals away from becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. “To be honest, I’ve never focused on individual records,” Messi said. “I always try to achieve collective goals, whatever is best for the team and the group. We’re going to take it one game at a time, do our best, and compete the way we always have.”
The second question centered on Messi’s decision to continue his international career and compete in another World Cup. “It happened naturally,” Messi explained. “The last time I talked about this was before the previous World Cup. Back then, I felt there was still a long way to go, and waiting another four years made it seem difficult for me to be there. But I never stopped competing.”
The Argentine superstar added that his move to Inter Miami helped him continue enjoying the game while maintaining a high level of performance. “Even after moving to Inter Miami, where I’ve been for some time now, I always tried to give my best. Things developed naturally, I kept feeling good, and it’s a joy to be here.”
© Getty ImagesAfter the brief exchange, an emotional Gutiérrez summed up the moment in just a few words. “I have no words,” he said. Later, the journalist reflected on the experience in a heartfelt post on X, sharing how Messi had been one of his childhood heroes.
“There’s a popular saying that goes, ‘Never meet your heroes.’ It’s a phrase that warns of possible disappointment,” Gutiérrez wrote. “Like many people of my generation, Leo was my hero. Watching him on a screen or collecting his sticker cards made me happy. But my dream was never to take a photo with him or get an autograph. My dream was to interview him.”
Gutiérrez explained that he initially tried to speak with Messi in the mixed zone but was unable to get noticed because of the crowd and his position. Determined not to miss the opportunity, he moved closer to the fan area after the match. “For some reason, I knew that if he saw me, he would grant me the interview, and that’s exactly what happened,” he wrote.
© Manu Gutiérrez
© Manu GutiérrezIn one of the most touching parts of his message, Gutiérrez compared Messi’s awareness off the field to the vision that has defined his legendary football career. “Just as I used to watch Jordi Alba sprint down the left wing, or marvel at the impossible pass Messi saw for Molina in Qatar, somehow he managed to see me.”
The journalist said Messi not only acknowledged him but went beyond what was expected. “He moved everyone aside and didn’t just set me up for one goal, but for two.”
Gutiérrez closed his message with a note of gratitude that captured the significance of the encounter. “Leo, if you ever read this, which would already be incredible, I just want to thank you. Not only did you deliver another one of your impossible assists, but your generosity made me very happy. Seeing the expressions on my friends’ and family’s faces afterward was priceless.”
© MLS via Getty ImagesArgentina is preparing to defend its world title at the 2026 World Cup. The Albiceleste team will play against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in the state of Missouri, on Tuesday, June 16.
Argentina will play in the third match slot of the day, which will also feature France vs. Senegal, Iraq vs. Norway, and later, Austria vs. Jordan.
