With the spectacular win of the Argentina team in the FIFA 2022 World Cup under the captaincy of Lionel Messi, the management world is trying to decipher the great leadership lessons the captain has shown on and off the field.

The concluding workweek of 2022 was filled with cheer for the team. The team had a relaxed week as the world was busy preparing to welcome the New Year. On top of that, Johnson, Manager of the off-shore team, has arranged for a buffet lunch to celebrate the historic win of Argentina against France in the FIFA 2022 World Cup.

But the teams were divided. While many rooted for Ronaldo, others were jubilant as Messi had led the Argentina team to victory.

As the arguments were going on, Ravi Ram, an ardent footballer, and Strategy Manager of the team, made an announcement. He said, “The debate of Messi Vs. Ronaldo seems eternal. But I would like to quote Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, here. In 2020, he came with an excellent insight into the players and their game. He had said that while the Portuguese is an athletic footballer, the Argentine is a touch artist.” 

Ravi continued, “I go with what Arsene Wenger said. He often says that Cristiano Ronaldo is an athlete-footballer, and Lionel Messi, is an exceptional artist. This is the difference between the two. Everyone prefers one or the other. When we like the game, we prefer the artist. The creative makes you discover things you do not see or have not even considered from the stands.”

The entire team broke into thunderous applause. Ravi added, “If you can spare a few minutes, I would like to share some of the valuable lessons the 2022 FIFA World Cup has taught us.”

Everyone cheered Ravi and asked him to continue.

Leadership Lessons the Corporate World Can Learn from Football

On December 18, Lionel Messi created history by leading Argentina to a World Cup victory. Argentina encountered France in the finals and won the final soccer match by 2 goals. Messi recreated the late Diego Maradona’s magic when Argentina won the World Cup in 1986.

Messi displayed a thrilling set of skills and helped the team create history. Besides, like a true leader, Messi carried the goods by being unassuming and unfazed by the initial failure. He understood the true value of a team game and displayed it.

Throughout the tourney, Messi notched seven goals and assisted the team on three others. Most outstandingly, when the stakes were high, he achieved his best.

Messi scored one goal and assisted a wonderful goal that changed the game against Croatia in the semi-finals. In the finals, the soccer star scored two goals and had the opening goal in the shootout.

Learn from failures 

Argentina’s loss to a relatively small team in their first match in Qatar did not deter their spirits. The team, headlined by Messi, returned to defeat stronger teams in the latter matches. This is one of the major lessons for every company. Take failure to learn. Every failure discloses your strength and weakness. It would be best if you took it to galvanize your confidence to thrive in your ensuing efforts.

Teamwork pays

The Argentina-Netherlands quarterfinal had a nail-biting finish in the last 10 minutes. Argentina’s goalkeeper Martinez saved two penalties, and Lautaro Martinez scored the winning penalty. While all the players ran to congratulate Lautaro, Messi, the captain, rushed to celebrate it with the goalkeeper. That moment was one of the best leadership lessons. Messi recognized the hidden team member. Instead of creating heroes in a team, as a captain, Messi focused on collective ownership in win and loss.

Achieving under pressure

It is said that when the pressure is high, great leaders deliver big. Managers can take this lesson from Messi. He showcased his ability to execute and shine under pressure.

Focus on the common goal

Football is all about showcasing the team’s abilities. Playing football at the world level and winning requires a combination of effort, skill, and talent. The game is not about individual performance. Players should align themselves to the common goal and coordinate their efforts. When individual players forego their personal goals and play towards realizing the common goals, victory follows. HR managers would agree that the employees’ personal goals need to be aligned with the common organizational goals. Just like how Messi directed his team’s efforts, it is vital for the company’s leadership to channel their employees’ efforts towards a common purpose. Without this, organizations won’t be able to achieve success.

Messi displayed his focus and determination right from the start of the World Cup. Despite the defeats in the initial matches, his team never lost momentum. As the captain, the credit goes to Messi, who steered the team from the front when the situation was difficult. Performing at the peak level in high-pressure situations takes work. But Messi displayed that perfect leadership skills can achieve the same in a better manner.

Execution is key

When performing under pressure to achieve big, one must trust the preparation and execute it. They should not get bogged down by thinking about the consequences. Argentina, headlined by Messi, meticulously executed everything. Facing the likes of Kylian Mbappe, who scored four goals in the finals, was not easy. Led by Messi, the Argentina team battled it out and won the game.

Fight to reach your dream

Messi did not rest on his past laurels. Just like how a leader should not rest on past glory but should perform at the moment, Messi, too, considered every game a new one. He did not get distracted by the hype or media. With single-minded focus and determination, he helped his team lift the FIFA World Cup.

Earlier, Messi had said, “You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.”

No organization can attain glory without the hard work of its teams. To achieve one’s dream, one has to put in the effort, and wishful daydreaming will not give you success. Hard work is required to taste success. Messi and his Argentina team epitomize the accomplishment of the success formula. Those who steadily make efforts win the right benefits.

In one of the media interactions, Messi said, “I start early, and I stay late, day after day, year after year. It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.”

How true it is. In reality, there is no shortcut to success. It would be best if you worked hard every day to succeed. Leaders and team members should push themselves past their limits and get out of their comfort zone. Don’t be worried about obstacles and failures. Giving up is not the way, but one should keep working hard to reach the desired goal.