Summary of the Core Content
This article uses the on-field performance and life experiences of football superstar Lionel Messi as a lens to articulate a philosophy for survival and decision-making in an uncertain world. Behind Messi’s seemingly casual approach to the game lies a meticulous scan of the entire situation, a focus on high-value areas, the ability to seize small opportunities, the commitment to making the best choices for the team, and the quality of remaining flexible and resilient in adversity. These principles are not only applicable to football but can also guide ordinary people in overcoming complex challenges in life, entrepreneurship, and investment, helping them find their own “goal-scoring” moments.
1. Why Can Messi Win While Moving Casually? – Focusing on High-Value Areas
Messi is often criticized for running less, yet his efficiency is astonishing: he covers 5 miles (about 8 kilometers) in 90 minutes, spending 83% of the time moving at a leisurely pace, and still manages to score goals and provide assists. This isn’t laziness; it’s about channeling limited energy towards the most valuable actions. Similar to the legendary baseball player Ted Williams, who divided the hitting zone into 77 grids and only swung at balls that fell within the “best grids”—even if it meant being struck out for missing a high-probability shot. Buffett applies this strategy in investing: he spends most of his time doing nothing, waiting for the right opportunities with low risk and high potential to appear before taking action.
A common mistake made by ordinary people is to pretend to be diligent, busy with trivial tasks without distinguishing what truly matters. Messi’s approach teaches us that avoiding unnecessary efforts is more crucial than running around aimlessly.
2. The Godlike Perspective: Scanning the Whole Picture to Spot Unseen Targets
Guardiola has noticed that Messi’s head is constantly in motion; he isn’t daydreaming but scanning the entire field to create a dynamic “value map”—identifying weaknesses in the opponent’s defense, predicting future spatial changes, and understanding the positioning of his teammates. This is akin to the strategy of top Go players, who focus on the overall game rather than individual moves. For example, Messi’s precise pass to break through the Dutch defense was based on a pre-emptive read of Molina’s movement, allowing him to see an opening that others missed.
For us, having a “Godlike perspective” means not only considering the immediate situation but also thinking about the long-term future: in entrepreneurship, we should look beyond current orders; in investing, we should analyze the company’s long-term value rather than short-term fluctuations.
3. “Hacking” into Systems: Seizing Micro-Gaps in Time and Space
Messi always manages to find breakthroughs in seemingly hopeless situations—he doesn’t need much space; a small advantage is enough. This is like a hacker finding a vulnerability in a system and exploiting it with the smallest possible effort. A senior executive from an internet company shared that, no matter the size of the task, there’s usually only one key point of leverage. For instance, instead of brute force, Messi uses deceptive moves to create an opening when breaking through defenses.
Ordinary people tend to approach problems in a brute-force manner—investing in random projects or working overtime without strategy. However, Messi shows that targeting the most critical issues is more effective; for example, solving the boss’s biggest problems can be more impactful than doing ten minor tasks.
4. Diversified Attacks: The Optimal Combination of Individual and Team Strengths
Messi excelled in the World Cup by leading in goals, assists, and key passes—he’s not a lone hero but makes decisions that maximize the team’s chances of winning. For example, after scoring a penalty to eliminate the Netherlands, he was the only one who ran towards the goalkeeper; this demonstrates teamwork. We should prioritize the overall outcome rather than focusing on personal performance. In entrepreneurship, listen to the team’s advice; in investing, diversify our investments (but not randomly).
5. The Philosophy of Survival for Ordinary People: Fighting to the End in Uncertainty
Messi’s life itself embodies a philosophy of survival: despite being born with dwarfism and lacking access to treatment, he never complained; he didn’t give up after losses and combined his “fragility” with resilience. The Stoic school of thought believes that philosophy is about finding ways to live through uncertainty. Life is like wrestling, not dancing—you must endure failures, train, and stand back up. When faced with unemployment or setbacks, don’t retreat; prove to yourself that you’re not alone by taking action.
Another important lesson is that flexibility and kindness are not weaknesses. Messi’s creativity stems from his gentle nature—he’s non-aggressive yet able to break through defenses effectively; he’s unassuming yet can unite the team. In a world ruled by the “law of the jungle,” flexibility can be more powerful than aggression.
Three Lessons from Messi for Ordinary People
1. Step onto the Field and Ignite Your Potential: Don’t just be a spectator in life; engage as a warrior, fighting with all your might, even if you may lose.
2. Cognitive and Physical Efforts Are Equally Important: Use your intelligence to the fullest (like Messi’s focused scanning of the field) and apply strategy to physical tasks (avoid unnecessary running).
3. Pain and Resilience Are Fuel for Growth: Nietzsche said that pain is the strongest tool for forging memories—what makes you cry will eventually make you stronger.
As Messi says, “I want to be a good person so I can look back on a beautiful life when I’m old.” Each of us can find our own “goal-scoring” moment on our own “field”—as long as we never give up and keep fighting.