Italy Baggio recently came to Miami to watch the Club World Cup and met Messi and presented the opponent with an Italian No. 10 jersey he wore at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Baggio talked about his thoughts in an exclusive interview with The Athletic.
Baggio said that he only plays football for one purpose, not for fame or profit: "For people's happiness, I am the meaning of life, my dream, let people enjoy the happiness brought by football. From the age of 10, 15 to 20, until he retired, I always thought so."
Messi brought Baggio the feeling he brought to the fans, so when the two met, it was not only a legendary meeting, but also a reflection of themselves in each other's smiles. Baggio said of the gift he gave: "When he saw the jersey, Messi touched it and carefully folded it up. This scene was really beautiful."
Baggio said that he did not think he was one of the idols of the football world, and it was not hypocritical humility: "I don't know what to say, I have never felt that way. I always felt that I was one of the billions of people on the earth. I was lucky that I could play football and do what I like, but I didn't feel different."
The famous American novelist Updike once said: Fame is like a mask that swallows people. But Baggio, 58, never wore it: "Maybe it's better not to care about reputation. Maybe the perception of this will change you, but I don't want to change it. I was still the one I was 10 years old, passionate about the simple things in life. Fortunately, I live in a green place, and I'm committed to maintaining this green, mowing the lawn, and maintaining the plants, which allows me to relax, just like physical exercise during training."
Baggio described retirement as a relief when he ushered in his last game in 2004. During his recovery in Florence, he found strength from his belief in Buddhism: "If I hadn't gone on this path, I wouldn't be who I am now, I'm 100% sure. I practice every day, and I know that when I devote myself to practicing, it will awaken the positive and beautiful side of my life, and it changes everything I do in my day."
The piety, discipline and tranquility of reciting "Namo Amitabha" helped Bacho overcome his predicament, while the long surgical scars on his knees were still as clearly visible as a fault of the address. After a 2010 Champions League match, Baggio's friend and former teammate Guardiola introduced him to Messi. Guardiola told Messi: "I'm lucky to play with Baggio at the age of 31. He had six or seven knee surgeries at that time. He was the best player I've ever worked with."
Football also consumes a lot of money for Baggio. In order to bring people happiness, he paid a lot: "After training, I will drive home, and it's an hour's drive from Brescia to my house. When I get home, I can hardly straighten my legs because of my long bent knees. My wife knows this, and she will come down to help me, and then I will do some stretching to restore my walking ability. So, ending my career is a relief and a joy for me."
Baggio announced his retirement at the age of 37, and his career has been much longer than expected. He has played for the three major Serie A giants of Juventus, Inter Milan and Milan, and has always regarded the Italian national team as his home team. In order to be included in the World Cup roster, he chose to join Bologna and Brescia instead of playing abroad.
Baggio said: "I have always refused to play for foreign teams because I dream of returning to the national team to participate in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea. I rejected the invitation from foreign teams, but if you ask me if I would play at the Candy Box Stadium (Boca home court), I will tell you: 'Of course'. If possible, I will definitely go."
Argentina has a special position in Baggio. He has a ranch in the province of La Pampa, Argentina: "The air there is extremely pure, the taste and smell remind me of many wonderful nights, sitting around the fireplace with my father, father-in-law, brothers and friends to enjoy the 'Asador' (barbecue). That is where I especially like to go, especially when I was still playing football, I was away from the hustle and bustle, put aside all the troubles, clear my thoughts and relax my mood."