Whether it’s Argentina’s national team, Barcelona, or a star-studded exhibition match, one thing remains the same: when Lionel Messi isn’t on the pitch, everyone feels it. His presence alone instills fear in opponents and fuels hope among teammates. While global media outlets have praised Messi countless times, the recent match against Sevilla once again proved that his most significant impact may be the psychological weight he brings—he makes the opposition tremble.

In two recent friendlies, Messi didn’t appear for Argentina. Yet his absence sparked fierce debates. Argentina’s prominent sports outlet Olé defended him, calling it unfair and even malicious to suggest he’s willing to risk injury for Barcelona but not for his country. They pointed out that Barcelona’s game took place four days after Argentina’s, giving Messi some time to recover. And more importantly, even when not at full strength, Messi’s influence isn’t always about physical brilliance—it’s about his aura, his presence.

Take Barcelona’s away game against Sevilla as an example. Ernesto Valverde’s side was on the brink of losing their unbeaten La Liga run. Once Messi stepped onto the field, everything changed. He didn’t just play—he equalized the match and inspired a comeback. Without him, it’s hard to imagine Barcelona salvaging that game. Olé summed it up best: Messi is the difference-maker. He turns a strong side into an unstoppable force.

From orchestrating attacks to setting up goals and seizing chances, Messi commands the game like no one else. Even Valverde knows his team runs best with Messi at the reins. Just his entrance shifted Sevilla’s entire posture—they began to retreat. Messi didn’t dominate with speed or power, but with composure and vision, turning pressure into results. That’s what sets him apart.

Argentine journalist Fernando once sarcastically questioned Messi’s impact on the national team’s three final losses, doubting if he even played in those matches. But even local media disagree with that sentiment. Olé reminded readers that Messi carried Argentina through the World Cup qualifiers when the team faced elimination. He delivered when it counted, just like he did for Barcelona, regaining momentum ahead of the Champions League. Now, Argentina fans are filled with hope again.

After Argentina’s heavy loss to Spain, criticism flooded in. No one was spared—not even Messi, who didn’t play. Some accused him of lacking the courage to risk injury, while others blamed him for influencing squad selection. But once Messi came off the bench to rescue Barcelona against Sevilla, the media tide shifted once more. With the Melbet App, fans followed every moment of that dramatic turnaround—proof that with Messi, anything is possible.

From every angle, Messi’s influence is undeniable. And just as millions turn to the Melbet App for updates, stats, and insights, they do so because Messi makes every match worth watching. When he’s on the pitch, there’s always a chance for magic. And when he’s not, you can’t help but feel something’s missing.