It doesn’t get Messi-er than this: Lionel Messi

Hi Leo. There can’t be more happy moments in your life these days, right?

These are great days for me, but I am always looking for more. I have said that when I retire I should be able to look back on the success. But for now it’s about looking forward.!

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Winning the La Liga must have been a soothing feeling…

Yes, of course! It’s a big trophy for us. When you are at Barcelona, every trophy you win is a big deal.

How do you think Barca went on to win the trophy after missing it last year?

Since the start of this year we have been on a great run, and the whole team has been playing well. When you are winning, it gives you the confidence to play well and to keep on winning.

How have Neymar and Suarez helped Barcelona?

I think it’s clear to see how much they have helped. They are both great players in their own domain, but they are both team players as well. Neither of them is interested in personal glory, or scoring goals, they are just interested in playing for the team and playing exceptionally well.

Does the holy trinity gel well together?

I think so! It’s normal that when you spend time training together you are going to understand each other well. The understanding between the three of us is already very strong, but I believe there is even better to come from us.

Is there competition between you guys as to who scores the most goals in a season?

Not at all, man! Like I said, nobody cares about personal glory at Barca. The objective is to make sure that we win as many trophies as a team.

After the World Cup disappointment, how did you resolve yourself to play this season?

It was obviously very disappointing to lose the World Cup final, but you cannot take that disappointment into a new season with you. I still want to win things with Argentina, but to make sure this season was successful, I had to put the disappointment in Brazil behind me and come back strong.

You have taken your game to another level this season. What changes have you made to your playing style?

I think I am always maturing as a player, but I owe so much to my teammates. Playing with such great players helps me to become a better player myself.

You score in almost every game and two games without scoring, people start talking. That’s obviously pressurising. How do you deal with it?

I really don’t feel pressure. The truth is, I still love to play the game as much as I did when I was a kid. Every time I go into a game I am excited and can’t wait for the referee to blow the whistle.

Do you think you will win Ballon d’Or this time?

Personal awards are nice and to be acknowledged, of course, makes you feel proud. But for me I will always concentrate on success and trophies with the team and not personal awards. If success with the team means that I win personal trophies, then that will be very nice, obviously.

What after Barcelona?

I am not sure; all I am doing at the moment is enjoying playing football. I have not even thought about what I will do after I finish playing; there’s still so much that I want to achieve.

Where would you love to retire?

Barcelona, without an iota of doubt! They have given me everything. I have always said that I will stay at Barcelona as long as they want me. I want to end my career here if that’s possible.

As a kid, who influenced your style of play?

I was so fortunate to have a little time at Barcelona to learn from Ronaldinho. He is one of the best players in the history of the game, and he adopted the game in the right way… with a smile on his face. I know that he said in interviews that he wished that he and I had more seasons playing together and, for me, the feelingis mutual.

Any thoughts on the perpetual rivalry with Ronaldo? Is it overhyped?

I don’t think that there is, seriously. And I know that Ron feels the same way. It is just something that the media has invented; it has never come from either of us.

Now that Fabregas has left Camp Nou, is he still a good friend?

I have known Cesc for a very long time now; he will always remain a good friend. He is one of the most intelligent midfielders in the world; it’s no surprise that he has become a champion at Chelsea this year.

Are you a fan of cars and bikes? Any favourites?

I am, but I am not obsessive about them.

As part of the game, footballers have to travel a lot. Do you like this part of your life?

When you have children it makes it harder, but we are so lucky to play the game that we love that I cannot complain about anything.

As one of the good guys of football, are you a party person? Or you go straight back home?

There is not a party culture at Barcelona. You can’t expect to go out partying and then to have success and win many trophies. Right from La Masia days (Barcelona’s youth academy) you are taught to stay out of the nightclubs.

Which restaurant serves you the food you cannot live without?

There is a place in Barcelona that does these great Argentinian steaks that are as good as we get back home. A lot of the Latin American players at Barcelona

visit there.

When will we see you playing in India?

I hope that Barcelona can do a tour of India soon. I have visited before, and the reception that I got from the Indian fans at the airport was one of the best ever. I was very humbled.

Any parting words for the fans in India?

Thank you for all your support, I hope you enjoy watching us, and I really wish to visit you again soon! Thank you for all your support, I hope you enjoy watching us, and I really wish to visit you again soon!

From the July 2015 issue of FHM India.