TSL #015: Applying Lionel Messi's Approach to Growing Your Business

Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player in history, is a complete mess before every game.

Fellow Argentinean and soccer legend Diego Maradona once argued that Messi would never be a great leader on the field because he "went to the toilet 20 times before every game."

But there is a method to Messi’s madness.

Messi has a unique approach to the game that holds valuable lessons for starting and growing your sports business. Despite being a nervous wreck before each match, Messi has learned to manage his anxiety and leverage it to his advantage. 

One key aspect of his approach lies in the first few minutes of every game.

Messi takes a different approach while other players burst into a frenzy of activity as soon as the whistle blows. He calmly ambles around the center circle, almost motionless for two, three, or even five minutes. 

Rather than diving headfirst into the action, he observes the game closely. This process not only helps him find his own calmness but it also enables him to identify weaknesses in both his teammates and opponents. 

He can spot signs of injury, fatigue, hesitation, or even tactical patterns set by the opposing manager. All this knowledge serves him throughout the remaining 85+ minutes of the game.

The fact that Messi rarely makes an impact during the first two minutes of a game reveals an unusual pattern. He scores goals during every minute of the game except the opening two minutes. 

This passive playing style during the initial moments sets him up to become a goal-scoring machine afterward. Over the first 14 years of his professional career, Messi scored more than 600 goals between minutes 3 and 90.

This approach employed by Messi can be directly applied to your sports business. The eagerness and ambition to succeed often lead us to rush into action without adequately surveying the field. 

Like Messi's two-minute observation period, The 4V Framework can be your starting point.

The 4V Framework, inspired by Messi's methodology, consists of Viability, Vision, Validation, and Volume. 

Before launching your product or service into the marketplace, take the time to assess its viability, establish a clear vision, validate your ideas, and determine the volume or scale of your venture. 

This method allows you to make informed decisions and set a solid foundation for your business.

A soccer match is not won in the first two minutes but rather in the next 88 minutes. 

Similarly, building a successful business is a marathon, not a sprint. 

While it's important to move with speed, ensure that your actions have a purpose. Align your pace with your startup framework, diligently following each step without seeking shortcuts to success.

Emulate Messi's approach in your sports business and be strategic, patient, and observant. 

Doing so increases your chances of performing at your best and achieving long-term success. 

Let Messi's game guide you on your path to victory.