What stood out for me in that epic World Cup final was not the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi, but how he made those around him shine.
He was a leader on and off the pitch.
From his powerful pre-match rallying call to his calm under pressure demeanour, he did what all great leaders do.
🌟 kept a cool head under pressure
🌟 emphasised before, after and during the match that this was a collective effort
🌟 stepped up to take penalties with a calmness that belied the pressure cooker intensity around him and settled his teammates.
🌟 brought players around him into play at every opportunity.
All around him players stood tall because he heightened their stature.
Whatever Messi does in the future he has proved that when you dream it, you can do it.
He has inspired millions of young people from the humblest of backgrounds that poverty should not define you – especially if you find and pursue your passion.
He is the leaders’ leader.
This was ‘Messi’ – not messy leadership
