12/10/2026
Thank you, Messi!
Last week, Lionel Messi said goodbye to his international career. As the world celebrates his incredible career, we want to recognize the inspiration he has given to millions of fans around the world.
Messi has been, and continues to be, a role model for millions. Through his achievements, resilience, humility, and dedication, he has inspired generations and demonstrated the profound societal impact that elite athletes can have beyond the field of play.
Our Mapping Elite Sport potential Societal Impact (MESSI) - model is built on the idea that elite sport and elite athletes can shape society. At SPLISS, we don't just study whether elite sport has an impact, we make that impact measurable.
We help countries map the societal impact of elite sport and the role of elite athletes as role models. We provide answers to questions such as:
✅ Does elite sport create national pride?
✅ Are elite athletes regarded as role models?
✅ Can elite sport contribute to a healthier society?
✅ What is the level of public support for investments in elite sport?
✅ Which sports should governments invest in more?
As we celebrate the impact of athletes like Messi, we continue to help nations understand and maximize the societal impact of elite sport.
👉 Interested in conducting a MESSI study in your country?
📩 Contact us for an exploratory conversation and discover how we can help measure the societal impact of elite sport.