Elias Pettersson draws inspiration from soccer star Lionel Messi to win Stanley Cup with Canucks

Vancouver Canucks superstar Elias Pettersson is on a journey to make history in the NHL. During a boat cruise through his native Sweden with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Pettersson opened up about his aspirations and the profound inspiration he draws from the world of soccer, particularly from the legendary Lionel Messi.

The conversation turned to the idea of winning in Vancouver, a city that has come close to Stanley Cup glory three times but has never clinched the ultimate prize. Pettersson's response was filled with passion and dreams of becoming a key player on a team that secures that elusive championship.

"Oh, yeah. I dream of moments like that," Pettersson confessed.

He then shared a poignant memory of winning the Swedish championship, where he experienced a euphoric moment that left a lasting impact on him.

"I played to win," he said.

But it's his admiration for Lionel Messi that seems to fuel his aspirations even more. Elias Pettersson spoke of his profound respect for Messi, highlighting the emotions that he felt when Argentina, under Messi's leadership, won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

"When they won, to see what it meant to all of them, I remember I was just crying," Pettersson revealed. "Yeah, I get inspired by that."

Drawing inspiration from Messi's dedication and passion for his sport, Pettersson envisions similar moments of triumph in his own career. He yearns to experience the pure joy of victory, potentially shedding tears of happiness, should he help bring the Stanley Cup to Vancouver for the first time in franchise history.

For Elias Pettersson, the pursuit of championship glory goes beyond the love of the game — it's a lifelong dream, much like Messi's quest for World Cup success. As he continues his journey with the Canucks, he carries the dream of hoisting the Stanley Cup, inspired by the legendary achievements and emotions of one of the world's greatest athletes, Lionel Messi.

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Elias Pettersson's Stellar Start to the Season

Elias Pettersson's season so far has been nothing short of exceptional. In just five games, he has showcased his playmaking prowess by amassing an impressive two goals and eight assists, totaling an outstanding 10 points. His contributions on the ice have been vital, with a remarkable +5 overall rating, demonstrating his impact at both ends of the rink.

With an average ice time of nearly 20 minutes per game, Pettersson is not only a dynamic scorer but a crucial presence for the team. The Vancouver Canucks have undoubtedly found their star player in Pettersson, who is off to a blazing start this season.