Not just a genius on the football pitch: 3 key leadership lessons from Lionel Messi

January 10th, 2023

Ann Collins

Arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi showed his genius in the recent World Cup. We saw him lead his team to the final and reached the goal he had set for himself as a youngster: to play for Argentina and win the World Cup!

As the news around him focused on his playing skills, I was drawn to a rare insight into his leadership via a YouTube video showing his pep talk to his team before the South America Cup game.

Here is an extract which was originally in Spanish so I can't verify the exact video translation, for accuracy!

"Today, I want to thank you all, boys! I told you on my birthday that this group is spectacular. A beautiful group and I enjoy it a lot.

45 days where there were no complaints about the travels, the food, the hotel, the pitches, nothing boys. 45 days without seeing our families, 45 days!

El Dibu became a father! El Dibu became a father and hasn't seen his daughter yet! He hasn't held her yet! The same with El Chino, he could only see her for a little while!

And all this for what, boys? For this, for this moment! Because we had a goal, we had a goal and we are a little step from it. A little step! And you know what is best of all? That it depends on us! It depends on us to win this cup! So because of that, we are going to go out, we are going to lift this cup and we are going to take it to Argentina to enjoy it with our families, our friends, the people who always supported Argentina.

One last thing.... Coincidences do not exist, boys. You know what, this tournament had to be played in Argentina and God brought it here.... so let's go out confident and calm that we are taking this one home."

Lesson 1: Talk to shared and personal values

Messi's final pep talk isn't about about strategy or technique: it is directly to his team about personal and shared values. One value that particularly unites many is family, however it is the way he does this that I find particularly interesting. He personalises it: referring to players by name who have recently become parents and made sacrifices - he acknowledges that their values have been compromised.

This acknowledgement of the players' personal sacrifice shows a high level of empathy and personal reflection on the part of Messi. He understands and allows the players to feel the conflict of values: the mix of emotions is acknowledged, not suppressed. This strategy is key to managing stress: acknowledging the messiness that is part of life! (Pun not intended!).

Lesson 2: Ensure people know they are important and visible

Messi doesn't talk about his teams' brilliance on the pitch. He thanks them for their personal qualities of resilience, patience and team work by drawing on very concrete examples off the pitch away from the zone of "high performance": no-one complained about the food and hotel!

This is important for two main reasons: firstly, these qualities will directly enhance their imminent performance. Secondly, it speaks to them as people, not players: they are visible, their behaviour is appreciated, their actions are important - each person, each detail counts and he sees each one of them and they feel seen. Making people truly visible is the key.

Lesson 3: Embrace positive feelings for one's team

Messi brings a personal energy that is inspiring: one of affection, confidence and solidarity. However, it is the affection that strikes me when listening to him. He is open about his enjoyment of working with the team, his affection and appreciation and his "beautiful group".

The combination of values, gratitude, empathy and genuine affection is powerful. Why? The neuroscience behind leadership is clear that for us to perform well, we need to understand and feel motivated by something bigger than us (values). We need to feel connected to others (feeling visible and a sense of solidarity) and in order for us to take risks, we need to feel supported (affection).

What a different place many organisations would be if they were to follow Messi's lead!

Which of these lessons could be interesting for you to explore further in your leadership?

To watch the full video: CLICK HERE