Messi: "I'm growing with every match"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan sports paper Sport.





What do you hope for in 2009?
I hope that the suffering of everyone in the world ends. It's my biggest wish that one has in their mind, something that I think of when I'm with my family when everyone is reunited for these feasts.

How would you rate the past year, both individually and group wise?
Individually, I feel that I could've been better, but I don't complain because the last part of the year went very well. Group wise, with the national team we won the gold medal but it's not going as well in the World Cup qualifications. And in Barcelona, we're on a good path.

What were the best moments this year? And the most difficult ones?
Feeling that we owe something to the people because the national team needs to give much more than it is already giving. Also, losing the Liga title with Barcelona and an injury that I sustained. Every time a new year begins, my illusion is huge.

Did you expect to finish this part of the season with so many points separating you from the rest of the teams?
I expected that the team could do their job plus more.

What is this Barcelona preparing for? How far can it go?
I think that we're in the path that we wanted to be, and if we keep on doing like this we can achieve many things, but with modesty. We're willing to work, grow, but always with the calmness that we feel as a group.

Do you always feel more mature football-wise?
I feel that I'm always growing with every match and I know that with time I'll gain more maturity.

Do you ever miss Ronaldinho? As a friend, teammate, his jokes, his advice. Do you keep in touch?
Ronnie is always missed. He's a great person, a great friend. Every once in a while we message each other.

Translated by: AL


This was the first part of this interview. You can read the second part on this blog in the coming days.

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