Before discussing Lionel Messi’s character, one point must be made clear from the outset: Lionel Messi is not a Muslim. Although some aspects of his conduct appear consistent with values that Islam highly esteems, this does not mean that he has embraced Islam.
In Islam, a person enters the faith not merely by possessing admirable character, but by believing in Allah and His Messenger and sincerely declaring the two testimonies of faith (shahadat). Allah says:
إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ
“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (QS. Āli ‘Imrān [3]: 19)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:
أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أُقَاتِلَ النَّاسَ حَتَّى يَشْهَدُوا أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
“I have been commanded to call the people until they testify that there is no deity except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” (Sunan al-Bukhārī dan Muslim)
Good character, therefore, cannot replace faith. Nevertheless, Islam also teaches believers to acknowledge goodness wherever it is found. Allah commands:
وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَى
“Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” (QS. al-Mā’idah [5]: 8)
Guided by this principle of justice, Muslims may appreciate commendable qualities in anyone while maintaining clarity about matters of faith.
Humility Despite Extraordinary Success
Few footballers have achieved as much as Lionel Messi. He has won numerous individual awards. He guided his clubs to countless titles and his nation to a FIFA World Cup victory. Many regarded him as one of the greatest of all time (The Goat).
Despite these accomplishments, Messi is generally known for his modest personality. Rather than seeking attention through grand statements, he has often allowed his performances on the field to speak for themselves.
Humility (tawāḍuʿ) is among the virtues strongly emphasized in Islam. Allah says:
وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ إِنَّكَ لَنْ تَخْرِقَ الْأَرْضَ وَلَنْ تَبْلُغَ الْجِبَالَ طُولًا
“Do not walk upon the earth arrogantly. Indeed, you can never tear the earth apart, nor can you reach the mountains in height.” (QS. al-Isrā’ [17]: 37)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ لِلَّهِ إِلَّا رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ
“No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.” (Sunan Muslim)
Whoever possesses humility (tawāḍuʿ) demonstrates a quality that Islam greatly praises.
Generosity and Concern for Others
Messi is also widely recognized for his charitable work through the Leo Messi Foundation, which supports children’s education, healthcare, and humanitarian initiatives in many countries.
Islam likewise encourages generosity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
اَلْيَدُ الْعُلْيَا خَيْرٌ مِنَ الْيَدِ السُّفْلَى
“The upper hand is better than the lower hand.” (Sunan al-Bukhārī dan Muslim)
This does not mean the charitable deeds of a non-Muslim hold the same religious status as those of a believing Muslim before Allah. Nevertheless, helping others remains a noble characteristic worthy of appreciation.
Hardwork and Discipline
Messi’s achievements are the result of years of discipline and perseverance. As a child, he faced growth hormone deficiency, yet continued to train diligently until reaching the pinnacle of world football.
Islam values sincere effort and excellence. Allah says:
وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ
“That man will have nothing except what he strives for.” (QS. an-Najm [53]: 39)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ إِذَا عَمِلَ أَحَدُكُمْ عَمَلًا أَنْ يُتْقِنَهُ
“Indeed, Allah loves that when one of you performs a task, he does it with excellence.” (Sunan al-Baihaqī)
Commitment, professionalism, and perseverance are qualities that Islam encourages every Muslim to cultivate.
Commitment to Family
Unlike many celebrities whose personal lives are frequently surrounded by controversy, Messi is generally known for maintaining a close relationship with his wife and children. He regularly shares family moments and is not widely associated with an excessively extravagant lifestyle.
Islam places tremendous importance on family relationships. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِي
“The best among you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family.” (Sunan al-Tirmiżī)
Self Control and Emotional Restraint
Although Messi has occasionally displayed frustration during matches, he is generally regarded as calmer than many other elite players. He rarely seeks confrontation and more often responds through his performances rather than prolonged conflict.
Allah raises those who control their anger:
وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ
“…those who restrain their anger and pardon others.” (QS. Āli ‘Imrān [3]: 134)
The Prophet (peace be upon him):
لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ، إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ
“The strong person is not the one who overpowers others in wrestling, but the one who controls himself when angry.” (Sunan al-Bukhārī dan Muslim)
Several aspects of Lionel Messi’s public life—his humility, generosity, diligence, devotion to family, and relative emotional restraint—reflect moral qualities that are also praised in Islam. These characteristics can serve as reminders that noble conduct is valuable wherever it appears.
However, this should never be misunderstood to mean that Messi is a Muslim. As of today, he remains a non-Muslim, while Islam teaches that faith in Allah and His Messenger, together with the declaration of the shahadat, is the essential foundation of being a Muslim.
Moreover, there are aspects of Messi’s lifestyle that clearly do not align with Islamic teachings, including his permanent tattoos, consumption of alcoholic beverages, and certain practices accepted within Western culture but prohibited in Islamic law.
For this reason, Muslims should not regard Messi as a complete role model in every aspect of life. Rather, they may appreciate and emulate only those qualities that are themselves encouraged by Allah and His Messenger, while continuing to take the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the ultimate example of faith and character.
