Messi: "Everything is the merit of Guardiola"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.



Tell us something about Barça. What is Guardiola adding to this squad?
Everything. What he transmits, what he knows, the attitude he has, the desire with which he is working with us, everything that is happening is his merit, the five cups are his merit. I admire Guardiola, I admire his ability to lift up a squad that was humiliated, a squad that was doing really bad. It's a unique coach.

And Maradona?
He's the idol of the Argentinian people. The only time I saw Maradona play was when I was a kid. My father and my uncle took me to the stadium of Newell's. I had already seen the goals of Diego so many times at home... In Argentina, when there's some gathering, people always end up watching the goals of Maradona against England. I don't remember almost nothing of that game at the stadium of Newell's, but now he's here, as national team coach, of a team in which I am the number '10'. He's a great motivator. If Diego talks, everyone is listening because we know we are hearing the voice of football.

Brazil-Argentina: what a game!
Yes, and at home. Of course we have the qualities needed to beat the Brazilians. The team is united, Rosario is involved with the team and we need to win because we want to be at the World Cup. The Brazilians also play good football, they can count on my friend Dani Alves who is a phenomenon. But this has to be our game.

Let's talk about another coach, José Mourinho.
(laughs) I never had problems with him. I keep on saying what I have always said. It seems a great coach, who makes his team play in a very disciplined way, a winner as he has shown with several teams. And he's a lucky guy because he can now count on a centre forward like Samu. The games against Inter will be entertaining. I really hope Samu will do great at Inter. We all want him to have a great time, a lot of us still have a great relationship with Samuel.

There's someone in this Barça who is irreplaceable?
We live as a team and we work as a team, but if there is one then maybe the captain, Carles Puyol. As a person, as a captain, how he helps the team in every moment. He has helped me a lot. And well, as a player I don't have to reveal anything, there's nobody like him, he's a '10'.


Read the first part of this interview here:
Messi: "I am great because of my team-mates"

Messi: "I am great because of my team-mates"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.




One month into the new season and already two trophies...
Everything has gone very fast. You start and the next thing you know you're already competing for two trophies as a result of the hard work of last season. It's good to start like that, although it's hard. If you look at the calendar, we won't have a moment to breathe until January or February... Pfff, we will have to make the best of it because it will be a tough season.

But it is less tough when you enjoy yourself...
We are having a good time and you can see that, right? We are having a good time because the football we play is made to make the footballer have fun. But we are also suffering, of course. Nobody should think that we aren't exhausted at the end of a game.

How does it feel to be the best player in the world?
This team has made me big. This Barça has made me grow and makes me better every day. All those with whom I had the honour to play have taught me something and this group makes you better. For me, that is very clear: I am great because of them. All those individual trophies should have copies, reproductions, one for each team-mate. That's the way we work, as one, we are one and that way it is easier to stand out and to do what you like to do. Someone is covering for you when you are trying to make an action that could be decisive but that also carries some risk. It's great to ba part of a team like this Barça.

What is Iniesta lacking to win individual trophies?
There's nothing lacking, he's a crack already! But because he does everything with such ease, it seems like there's nothing to it. But he has everything needed to win win individual prizes.

How is Ibrahimovic doing?
Very well. Ibra knows that Barça is a new world. It wasn't easy for him to adapt to a team that plays by heart, with an enormous quality, that has won everything last season... He wants to learn from the group and this is valued. He has a lot of qualities and he will add a lot of things to the team. He's acting in a modest way and he has adapted very well to the group.

The group is missing Eto'o?
Of course we miss him, every team would miss him. What Samu gave us on the pitch was incredible, he was the first one to put pressure, always going forward and scoring goals like nobody can. He was very important for the team. But now he's at Inter and I'm sure he will do great. I talk with Samu every now and then, I like to know how things are going for him.


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Note: Video from Uefa.com

Messi: "I never dreamed of all this"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.




What sporting wish would you like to make for your birthday?
There are two. On the one hand, for Barça to make people happy again with more titles. And on the other, for Argentina to win this World Cup everyone wants so much.

Can you see yourself celebrating your 23rd birthday as the best player in the world, having retained all three trophies with Barcelona?
I can see myself being part of a team doing well in all competitions and wanting to keep making history.

In other words next season there’s the dream of winning even more than the triplete...
We can dream of another triplete, although it will be very difficult.

How much of what's happened to you did you dream of ten years ago, when you were still fighting against your growth hormone deficiency?
To tell the truth, I never dreamed of all this, although I always wanted it to happen.

Relaxing, surrounded by a loving family: is that the best way to recharge the batteries after such a demanding season?
I spend as much time as possible with my family. There aren't many things that make me that happy. They support me, look after me and give me the care I need to go back in the best condition possible. This year I'll spend as much time with them as I can.

Changing topic slightly, do you think it’s immoral paying 94 million for Cristiano Ronaldo?
There's a club that sells, and another club that buys, and that's it. I'm not going to enter into the debate because it's not my business, I just play football.

How did you react when you found out?
No big deal, I’d never heard of that kind of money for a player before, but like I already said, it’s not my business.

This amount of money would tempt anyone. Not you?
This amount of money goes to the selling club, not the footballer. So however tempting the sum may be, the player doesn't feel it.

Who will be better, the Barça of the triplete or the Madrid of Florentino's chequebook?
We'll see. It looks like Madrid will have a great group of players, but so do we, and we will next season too.

Who's better, Kaká or Iniesta?
They're different, they have different skills. Andrés is a 'crack', and Kaká the same, but in his own way.

Would you like to play with Mascherano next season?
Hey, who wouldn't like to be on the same team as great players like Javier? I would love for him to come.

Does it worry you that Barça still hasn't signed anyone?
No, not even slightly. We have a team that's won three trophies, which is not exactly a small achievement, right? That means we are one of the best and so far no one can deny that.

translated by: iniestar

Messi: "I'd like to finish my career in Argentina"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.





You've been at Barcelona for a long time, but do you miss Argentina?
A lot, especially when I'm here alone and my family is over there. It's tough.

Not ever playing in Argentina makes you consider retiring in the league of your country?
I'd like to finish over there because since I was a child it was my dream. I went to the pitches, and I want to play there for the people over there. At Newells? Well, what I want is to play in the Argentine league in general and witnessing the football over there. I'd love it.

You appreciate your roots and family, but what does Barcelona and Catalunya mean to you?
It means everything to me, I think that I've been here longer than in Rosario. Being here feels like I'm in my homeland. The only thing that I miss is not being with my family. Everything else I have here.

Do you think you could adapt to living in Argentina?
Living over there is very different, here I'm more relaxed but regardless, to me Argentina is Argentina.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?
I live life as it comes, as always, and I've never stopped to think. You never know what will happen next year. You need to go step by step, without worrying, but the other day I was looking at the small trophies that I own at home and I thought to myself that I'd like to retire winning much more.

In this case, this is your first year as the number 10 of the squad. How do you take being an idol?
With calmness. At first I was surprised that people would recognize me, but now I find it normal. I don't have a problem walking in the streets and stopping to take pictures.

What are the best moments in your life, those you would photograph?
Probably when I debuted with Barça and when I won my first titles that season. But so many things happen in so little time that they pass me by. I never imagined to be within the elite so quickly.

Florentino Perez, as a presidential candidate, has had an emphasis on possible signings from Barça. Will you one day go to Madrid?
I doubt it. I wouldn't ever leave here, but you never know what can happen in football. Without a doubt, I don't see myself at Madrid, to be honest.

Where you do see yourself is with Dani Alves. When he arrived did you believe that the connection between you two would be so harmonic?
I've always played well with the Brazilians. I already knew that Alves would understand me well. With great players you always are understood and it's easier. Since preseason it looked like we were united.

Does it annoy you that when you're done playing a match, Alves looks like he's ready for another one?
(laughs) Not anymore, because he's with us, but when he was at Sevilla, yes.

How would you define Iniesta?
Everything said about him is said with few words, it's impressive. Same with Xavi. They're pure quality, they carry the weight and drive of the team.

And what would you say about Eto'o?
It's hard to find forwards like him and you can't find them anywhere. He has a natural goalscoring ability and you can see with the work that he does.

Has Henry changed much?
He was able to adapt himself better to the team's play. Now he's happy and that makes things go well within the pitch.

Do the Catalans control the team?
In this team we all get along. There is no envy, because we're all on the same side and nobody controls more than another, because the one that controls things is Guardiola.

translated by: al


this was the third and last part of this interview, you can read the earlier parts here:
Messi: "Guardiola won me over in every aspect"
Messi: "When we have the ball, we enjoy ourselves"

Messi: "It's about the team, not about individuals"

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





What is your state of mind ahead of the final against Manchester United? Anxious, hopeful, nervous?
No, I'm never nervous. I'm hopeful, eager, more than ever. And also very happy to have reached the final after already having won two important trophies.

And how is your form?
Spectacular.

How did the cup final against Athletic in Valencia influence you?
In a good way. Things turned out perfectly for us and that gives you a lot of calmness. In the other case there would have been more doubts.

Winning the treble has become an obsession?
At the start not at all. We always went step by step. Now that we have won the Liga and the Copa, we're going for it and we want to take this chance. We want the Copa, the Liga and the Champions League.

Iniesta and Henry could be back. Are they fundamental?
I hope both can be there in the final, they are very important and they deserve to play a game like that. Iniesta had a spectacular season and Henry as well, scoring a lot of goals. It will be easier when they're available.

Without Iniesta it will of course be a different game.
Yes because Andrés is unique.

You have won two trophies, you've beaten your personal scoring record and you didn't get injured. A dream season so far?
Without any doubt, it's my best year. In every aspect, football, goals, and I hope to finish it with the Champions League.

This would make you the number one in the world. You're thinking about that?
Not at all, not at all. I play to win a trophy with Barcelona.

All eyes will be on you and Cristiano Ronaldo. How are you living the built-up?
It's a unique game. The motivation, the anxiety... It's obvious that it's a special game, but not only for him and me but for all players. The team will be crucial, in our case starting with Valdés.

Who was already crucial in the final in Paris.
Indeed. Víctor was fantastic against Arsenal, and Belletti scored the decisive goal. That proves my point: it's about the team, not about individuals.

The debate about you and Cristiano Ronaldo is boring to you?
Pffff, I don't know. I don't hink about it that way. It's not a personal fight. He's a great player with an impressive long-distance shot. We don't aim to be the best player in the world but we want to win with our team.

It's better that Manchester United is considered to be the favourites?
I think it's good to continue like we did so far, not putting pressure on ourselves and thinking about the unique chance we're having. We've always respected the opponents and we've never considered ourselves to be the favourites despite what people were saying.

Like when you defeated Madrid 2-6?
Yes, of course. We went there with modesty, but eager to win.

Will you play one the wing or in the centre like you did against Madrid?
Hmmmm... I'll play where the coach asks me to play of course. We won't explain everything.

Surprises are possible in that aspect?
Not really. The teams know each other too well.

You think that the neutral football fan will support Barcelona in the final?
Possibly. We've done our best and maybe we deserve to be rewarded for having given people a good time. I know there a lot of people who aren't Barça fans but who nonetheless admire and respect what we have done this season.

Honestly, how many games of Manchester United have you seen this season?
The truth is that I didn't see an entire game of Manchester. If I have seen something, it have been some highlights of the Champions League, but very few.

You are superstitious when preparing the games?
No, not at all, I'm not thinking a lot about these things.

A lot of people have asked you for tickets these day?
Incredible, the whole time.

And what are you doing then?
I change the subject.


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Messi: "When we have the ball, we enjoy ourselves"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.





Why does this squad deserve it all?
Because of the year that Barça is having, for the football that it's playing, which is enjoyable for many people, whether or not if you're a Barça fan. I hear what many people have to say and they enjoy it as much as we do. This football deserves, at least, compensation with titles. All year we have been the best in the Liga, both in how we play and in our results.

A year ago you told this very publication that the team could win more than one title and you didn't even win one. Is it time to forget about the past?
We need to take advantage of the moment, because you never know if something like that could happen again. We have the opportunity to go down in history at a club as big as Barça. We will do it. We will give our all to win the Champions League.

What changed within the squad in order to achieve these results?
What has changed is the coach, who has much to do with everything that's happening even though he says that the responsible ones are us. Obviously, the arrival of Guardiola and his work, the energy that he shows, has been very important. He has done many things to change us and his arrival has made us succeed. Guardiola knows a lot, but, what's important to me is that he also knows how to transmit his knowledge to us. That's fundamental for any manager. When he tells you something, you know that you have to do it, because you know that it's the truth.

Rijkaard was also praised for his achievements, but has Guardiola done more?
They're different. Rijkaard to me was impressive, because he won many titles and made the team play phenomenally. He was the one that gave me my debut at 17 years old and he was the one that gave me confidence. Everyone has their style, not better or worse.

Have you seen a team play like this Barça?
The squad that won the league and the Champions League also played enjoyable and pretty football, but this team, if they win the Champions League, can be claimed to be better. I didn't witness the "dream team" era, so that's why I don't have any other squad to compare to. I'm only 21.

Not even Manchester United are close to this level?
Manchester United is a great team and has great players, but I think that Barça has a little more football in them.

If you could remain in any moment in this Liga campaign, which would you choose?
It's hard, but there have been many... but I think that the goal fest against Madrid was special. Even though we say that the match wasn't revenge for the "pasillo" and the 4-1 last season, what's true is that we had a grudge from that match. Being able to go to Madrid and win that way, will be remembered forever. I didn't want it to end.

Speaking of grudges, do you feel that there is one from the Champions League when you weren't able to play in the final in Paris?
Yes, in that campaign I couldn't enjoy myself, because after getting injured in the quarter finals, I couldn't play any more. Now I've been able to play everything, and now we're in the final and winning it would complete everything.

Now that some time has passed, were you very disappointed that day, in Paris, not being able to play?
Yes, but I was still very young and was still thinking about other things. I think that it was foolish for me to be mad. I should have enjoyed that day more than I really did, but they are moments in which you never know if they can happen again. I didn't even show up in the photo after the match and that was a mistake. I should have shown up, because I was still a part of that team.

What do you like most about the team?
That we always want to have the ball and with it, we want to make the opponent chase after it. When we have the ball, we enjoy ourselves and we see that the opponent gets gradually more nervous.

When you talk about how the team plays, you let out a smile. Is this sense of enjoyment that supporters feel something that you feel on the pitch?
Without a doubt, we're the first that enjoy ourselves and have fun on the pitch. And if you're winning, just imagine how much we enjoy it.

Do you agree with those that believe that this year they are seeing an even more complete Messi?
Well, I think that I've been playing the same as always but I've obviously improved on many things. This season I've learned much and I'm still learning.

You've scored more goals...
Yes, I've always been used to scoring goals, but I've never scored this many and I didn't expect it. It's thanks to the play of the team, because the forwards have many chances, and every forward in the world would like to be here.

translated by: al


this was the second part of this interview, you can read the first part here:
Messi: "Guardiola won me over in every aspect"

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Messi: "Guardiola won me over in every aspect"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia.





Did you imagine a year like this?
We were coming from two complicated years and people expected an improvement. We also expected to do better, but to be honest, I think that none of us deep down expected it. We couldn't imagine it.

Do you have time to think about what you've been achieving?
No, we cannot stop. We still have a few Liga matches and, above all, the Champions League final. We can't stop now. When the campaign is finished we will look back.

Playing practically the whole season is your greatest triumph?
Yes, I think so, because I've had two years getting injured, being away from the team for many matches, two or three years without playing in a season, many instances the same. Now being able to play everything is the best.

What do you think changed that allowed that to happen?
I don't know, I don't think there's something. I've always done everything the same. I got injured before because it had to happen.

You haven't taken any special precautions?
No, what I've been doing for the past years I still do with Juanjo (Brau, one of the team's physiotherapists), who has always been by my side. What has changed with this year, opposed to other years, is that I had a good preseason.

Guardiola has said many times that what he wants this season is to feel pleased. Is that something that you believe?
To me, of course. The coach is a special person, who thinks way beyond the playing pitch. The coach thinks much on human aspect. He's someone very close to the player, thinks like them, speaks very detailed to the players, and above all he's very similar and that's why everyone here likes him a lot.

In that sense, Guardiola has won you over?
In every aspect, because for one it's something great for a manager to be very close and to care about a player. He has treated me well since day one.

What is your concept of happiness?
Everything that's happening right now. Training with motivation, feeling good, the team doing well during the year, playing well with spark, and with good results and titles.

Did you hear how people wanted you subbed in the Copa game to protect you?
Yes, but to be honest I always like being on the pitch, even more so a match like that one. I'd rather enter than be subbed.

Are you aware that people are afraid that you'd get injured and couldn't play the final in Rome?
Yes, because people still had fresh in their mind what had happened to Iniesta and they were a bit scared. It's true that the match was a bit intense and we had to be careful, but I'd prefer to worry about being careful on the pitch.

Guardiola says that matches like that are what you make of them. What do you think about that?
He has no problem knowing how I think. In one year he almost knows me perfectly. He has the ability to know us, not just me, but everyone. That's why he knows how to get along great. He has achieved gaining everyone's confidence.

How were you able to beat Athletic's markings, which were very tough from the start?
We know that they wanted to defeat us playing very physical, to try to intimidate us, but that didn't happen for a moment. On the contrary, our team showed much more and proved why they deserve it all.

translated by: al


this was the first part of this interview. you will be able to read the following part here in the coming days.

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Messi: "Everyone loves Carlos Tevez"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to British men's lifestyle weekly magazine ShortList.





Barcelona are the bookmakers’ favourites to win this season’s Champions League. Are you really the best team on the planet?
I’m not sure we can call ourselves the best team just yet. We are working hard for that honour. But even if we were to lift the Champions League trophy this year, it would not mean everyone would agree we are the greatest. Such things are always a matter of opinion but we will strive to conquer Europe and then people can make their own minds up as to who is the best.

What do you think about Manchester United?
There is no doubt Manchester United have a truly great team. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and, this season, Dimitar Berbatov, they are always going to be successful. Of all their trophies, though, I would say they will probably leave the Champions League to Barcelona.

The argument goes that the Premier League is now the dominant force in European football. Do you agree?
It is a debate I have heard much about but I am not sure I can agree. I know that La Liga is very competitive, as is the Premier League, and perhaps together they are the most impressive leagues in the world at the moment. But there are also the Italian and the Argentine leagues, which are hardly weak.

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo – who really is the best player in the world at the moment?
I don’t like comparing myself to Ronaldo as we’re not the same people. I am not desperate to collect awards such as the Player of the Year because I am sure one day it will happen. As long as I am making a good contribution for Barcelona and for Argentina, I’m satisfied and happy with life and the awards will take care of themselves. But it is obvious to everyone that Ronaldo is an unbelievable footballer. He is someone I would pay money to watch.

You and Tevez are good friends. Why do you think he’s so popular with the Manchester United fans?
I’ve never met somebody that didn’t like Carlitos. And by this I mean Carlitos as a player and as a human being. In order to describe him, you just have to see him with his daughter Florencia. He is very sweet to her and he follows her all day. He is very funny and always in a good mood. He never gets mad. If he has to sit on the bench, he just sits there and encourages his teammates.

You, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o form a potent attacking force at Barça. What is your relationship like on and off the pitch?
Playing with those two guys is great because they make things easy for the rest of the team and for myself with their superb quality. There is a chemistry between us and I believe that shows in the side’s performances. I also get on well with both Samuel and Titi when we are not playing. Titi and I have become good friends faster because his culture and customs are more similar to mine, but Samuel is a very fun guy to be with, too.

How do you spend your time away from the pitch and the relentless focus of the media?
I am just a normal person who enjoys being with my family and friends when I am not playing football. I like normal stuff like playing computer games and going to restaurants. I really don’t have outrageous tastes or an extravagant lifestyle.

Do you have any other sporting talents we should know about...
I’m not really allowed to play other sports in case I get injured. I play tennis once in a while, because it is relatively safe, but that’s it. I’ve played football since I was a little kid. I have incredible fun whenever I play, and sometimes I honestly forget it is my job. When I have a ball at my feet, I forget the rest of the world exists. It is the ultimate escape and such an amazing feeling.

What’s the funniest thing that has happened to you since arriving in Europe?
Lots of funny things have happened. People’s admiration for me is incredible. I am pretty shy and I can’t believe it when people tell me about the crazy things they do just to see me, like sleeping in front of the Nou Camp for hours just to see me cross the road. But the funniest anecdote is definitely what happened to me in Venezuela. I was leaving the pitch and this girl wanted to jump about five metres down from the stand just to give me a kiss. I told her, “Don’t do it!” but she jumped anyway and I got a kiss!

What is your ultimate football dream?
It has always been to play in the World Cup finals. I only started one of Argentina’s games in 2006 in Germany and I would have liked to play more. Therefore I can’t wait for South Africa 2010. I believe we have amazing players and with luck and heart, we can win the tournament.

read the complete interview here


Read more:
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Messi: "I would like to be a better header"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi answered questions at the official UEFA website.





How do you deal with the pressure of being labelled the best player on earth, and what do you think makes you that special?
I don't know if I'm the best player in the world. At the moment Cristiano Ronaldo has the title of FIFA World Player of the Year. I don't pay too much attention to it. I'm not worried about it. If they want to give me the award, that's brilliant, because you have to enjoy these prizes. If not, that's absolutely fine too.

Do you feel this is your year to win the Ballon d'Or?
As I said, I don't think about it too much. I just try to play good football. If, after that, they give me the Ballon d'Or for European Footballer of the Year, I would be delighted, but if not I won't be depressed.

What do you say to people who compare you to Diego Maradona?
It makes me very proud, but there was only one Maradona and there will never be another like him. I always say it: I can't compare myself to him because he was extraordinary, one of a kind, the most complete player. It has been brilliant to meet him. With everything he represents for Argentina and for all Argentinians, it's a source of pride and a privilege to be managed by him. But I don't compare myself.

Can you give some tips on how to have better ball control. How do you practise? Are there particular exercises you do?
These are not things I've developed in training – they happen on their own. I think it's something innate that I have inside me. I've loved playing football since I was a little kid and I always played with bigger boys. Perhaps that helped my learning and the development of my game a bit.

What's on your mind when you are dribbling around opponents?
You don't think. You just live the moment, as I said earlier. I try to do my best to arrive in front of goal. On my way there, I dodge and check as I see fit. My thinking isn't premeditated. It's instinctive. Sometimes, luckily, it works out for me.

How does it feel when you score a goal?
It's difficult to explain. It's a lovely feeling. It's an explosion which comes from inside you and makes you want to share it with everyone around you. Even more so if you do it in an important game, because you can't express it through your mouth or your arms. You have to live it in person to understand.

Who inspired you as a boy and what encouraged you to fight for your place even when people discouraged you because of your size?
You always have to overcome things in life and the difficulty with my physique was one of them. My parents and Barcelona helped a lot. To be honest, I don't know if I really stopped to think too carefully about it. At the time I wanted to play football and that wasn't going to get in my way.

What key areas in your game would you like to improve on?
You always have to try to improve and I promise I'm trying to do that. For example, I would like to be a better header, and perhaps to be able to pre-empt the defender, because I realise I'm not tall. I'm also practising striking the ball better. I don't like to make do with what I have and no more.

What is the most important thing you have learned this season from coach Josep Guardiola?
That this is a team and we all work for the good of the team. The other day, against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, for example, I played almost like a second striker. I almost always play out on the right, so it seemed strange to me beforehand, but I did it and it worked well for the team. So you have to think of the team and leave individualism to one side.

You have said you wish to spend your entire career at Barcelona. However, could you ever be tempted to take the challenge of playing in the English league at some stage?
The football in England is great, just as it is in Spain, but for now I'm very settled and I feel really valued at Barcelona. I know the Premiership is a great league, but Barcelona is a big part of my life and I'm not thinking of anything else. With time, we'll see. You never know.

Do you have any superstitions in preparing for a match?
No, I don't have superstitions. Before games I think about the people I love, but it's not superstition. It's just because it does me good to think that they're with me – nothing more. I'm not the kind to wear lucky charms or that kind of thing.

What was your best match so far?
I am very self-critical and I don't have one special game. I should think about it more carefully, but my memory's not very good and I'm not one for details. Perhaps the 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in Barcelona, when I scored three goals. Or this Saturday, at the Bernabéu, because it's very difficult to go there and we achieved something historic. We scored six goals at their place and I got two. But hopefully there will be other better games. That's what I'm always working for.

read the complete interview here


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Messi: "It's not good to play the return away"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





What a show this Barça puts up!
Yeah, yeah,… We enjoy ourselves while playing, but we’re also serious about it. We're having a good time and that leads to good football, but at the same time we're not forgetting about the guidelines Pep is giving us.

All the praising makes you feel more relaxed?
No, it’s ok, if we play well, it’s nice to hear people talk positively about our game. But the most important thing is that we’re aware that we’re only halfway. We’re having a good time, but we’ll have an even better time if we win trophies, and the more, the better.

You sound a lot like Pep…
This is also how we think because two years ago we also played very good but in the end we didn’t win anything. This is our football, with our football we can go a long way, but it’s not also entertaining, it’s also serious.

There seem to be a good atmosphere…
Yes, that’s true. We work well, we have a good time and our way of playing makes it possible to enjoy ourselves on the pitch. Everything with one touch, with great players, everyone at Barça plays very good.

Can we already dream about the Champions League final in Rome?
Well… We first have four very difficult games left. We’ll reach the final in Rome if we continue to be united, if we play our game and if we are able to suffer. Actually, you can add luck to that, because in this competition being lucky also has an influence. But the most important thing, what matters most to me, is that we always play our football, that we reach the final with our football philosophy. That’s the greatest thing about this club.

You celebrated in the dressingroom when you saw the draw against Bayern?
I'm neutral about it, not only because of the opponent but also because we play the second game away. I said that I'm not afraid of any team because if you really want to win the trophy, you have to defeat whoever you meet, but it's not a good thing to have to play the return game away from home.

What do you think about Ribéry?
He’s the key player of Bayern. He’s always around. I played against him with the national team and he appeared everywhere on the pitch. It’s a decisive player but he’s not the only one to watch. Bayern is like Barça: if you only focus on one player, you’re dead because the other players also can decide a game.

What would you highlight about Bayern?
Their ability to score, their strikers. They have goalscorers with a different profile and this is a real threat because you never know where the danger is coming from. Bayern is a club with a great reputation, one of the top clubs in Europe, one of those teams whois always there, whom you hear about since you're a child. This is the Champions League, the greatest club competition.

How can you win the tie with Bayern?
Our strategy should be to play united, as a team, be ourselves. The music of the Champions league is something special, you know you’re between the best.

Guardiola takes care of you?
Pep takes care of me, he protects me and he uses me intelligently. I’m delighted with Pep. At the beginning they said that we didn't get along but that’s not at all the case. From the beginning, Pep treated me marvellously. Pep wants us all to be fit, he gives us rest when we need it, he knows that quicker than us because he controls everything. He talks a lot with us, about everything, not only about football.

You and Alves make the best right wing of the moment…
Yeah, yeah, it seems I have something special with the Brazilians, I have a good relationship with them… The truth is that it’s easy to play with Dani because his game is excellent. We get along very well, both on and off the pitch.


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Messi: "I also make mistakes"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.

You have now played four games without scoring a goal. You get obsessed by that?
Not at all, because I've already had much longer series of games without scoring. Thanks to the team, I have been scoring more this season, but it never has been an obsession for me.

You're indeed scoring like never before this season. You have scored 25 goals so far, where can you get?
I don't know. But it's all thanks to the game of the team. The forwards have a lot of chances to score. Samuel, Titi, Bojan or whoever plays up front can score easily and you have to take advantage of that.

You're not in favour of special protection by the referee, but what can then be done to protect players like you, which are the ones who fill the stadiums?
I don't know. I think football has become very tactical, very robotical and that makes it a little uglier. But that's modern football and you have to adapt to it. That's why I think we're a different team, that tries to play, that tries to play beautiful, that's our game, we're having a good time and that's what we need to do.

Talking about players who offer something to the fans, you got already used to playing without your friend Ronaldinho?
You have to. We knew he wouldn't be here anymore and that we needed to adapt. Of course it's always better to have the best players by your side. Ronnie, as well as Deco and Motta, are great players and it's always nice to have those close.

You seemed to have a kind of complicity with him on the pitch. You have the same thing with Eto'o and Henry?
One always connect more witht he players that are close and I have a good understanding with both Samuel and Titi.

Tonight you return to a stadium were you were applauded last month. Will it be special?
It's always special to play there because it's a nice stadium and there's a great crowd, but it will be a very complicated game that won't have anything to do with the cup game.

Which Atlético do you expect after their irregular performances so far this season?
Maybe they're not going through their best moment, but I'm convinced it will be a difficult game because all teams are motivated when they play against Barça.

How do you deal with the rotations?
The truth is that I would like to play every game but that's not always possible and sometimes you need some rest.

How is your body responding to the stretching and the new diet this season?
Well, I always took care of myself and we always did the same in the dressingroom, both here as with the national team. Maybe the only thing that has changed is the food. Now we eat at the club and they can control us a little more.

You're missing the roasted meat?
No, because we also have to eat during the days we are free (laughs).

You're especially motivated to win a certain trophy?
No, I'm motivated for all. If it's possible, I would like to win them all. We'll fight for it until the end and I think we could win them, but everything with modesty.

Last question. Víctor Valdés has been debated this week because of his mistakes against Espanyol and Lyon. What do you think about it?
Víctor has always been criticized at certain moments but I think that he's a goalkeeper who has given a lot to Barcelona. People always focus on the bad things of a goalkeeper but they don't value enough the games he won for us, not only this year but also when we have won leagues and the champions League. The faults of a goalkeeper are given more importance because of his position, but I think they haven't acted right towards him. I also make mistakes.


This was the second and last part of this interview. You can read the first part here:

Messi: "I don't watch my games"

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Messi: "I don't watch my games"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview to Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo.





First things first, how are you?
Fine, fine, thanks.

I'm saying it because of your purple eye.
Toulalan hit me with his elbow in the game against Lyon but it's nothing, that's football.

You have now played three games without a win: Betis, Espanyol and Lyon. Is that something to worry about?
We know that at Barça, people always expect you to win, but we're calm because I think we're doing very good. We have an advantage of seven points in the Liga and the draw with Lyon is a good result. The important thing now is to win against Atlético so all the talking stops.

What would you say to the fans so they don't start panicking?
It's understandable that the fans are worried because the same happened over the last two years and in the end we lost the league, but things changed a lot, both in the heads of the players as in the way we play. What happened over the last years won't happen again.

Guardiola thinks and analyzes a lot. What are his conclusions after the last games during which the team wasn't that good?
That we had a spectacular series, that this wasn't normal, and that it can happen that we don't win a game. Everything came together but the important thing now is that we quickly raise our heads and go on.

Madrid is now seven points behind and they are talking about winning the league, what would you say to them?
We know that we have to be the strongest inside the dressingroom, we have to be more united than ever. And if things are going well there, we don't have to give any importance to what's been talked about outside. Nobody likes to lose and this squad even less because we want to reach certain things and this Sunday is a good moment to win another time.

You are a born winner. You're thinking a lot when things don't work out?
Well, yes I am. When things aren't going well for the team or for myself. I think about it, I don't like to do things in a bad way although I'm aware that it's part of the job.

You're watching the games to see where you made a mistake or what you can do better?
I live them again in my head. I don't watch the game. But I remember everything that happened and I analyze things.

The solution is that the opponents don't put three players to mark you?
The solution is to know how to deal with that, to be calm again and to play like I've always done, without thinking about the fact that things could turn out bad. Being calm is the best way.

You're getting demotivated when you see that the opponent is only focusing on kicking you?
No, although it's true that you sometimes feel uncomfortable if you have to play under those circumstances and you don't like that way of playing, but I'm not letting it influence me. I think that the team should try to take advantage of that. If they focus that much on me, others will have more space.

Your legs must be full of bruises and scars, right?
Yes, the truth is that I have several.

Which one was the most painful?
Well, when a game ends and you have cooled down, everything hurts but during the game you don't feel nothing. I don't really remember a special one.

After the defeat against Espanyol, you talked for the first time about the referees. They should protect players like you more?
I talked about the referees but I didn't blame them for our loss. It just wasn't the first time this happened playing at home. I will never ask a referee to watch out better because I believe that no player has bad intentions. Between us, as colleagues, it would be something really ugly if that was the case, so I don't think it's like that.

Some opponent has admitted after a game that he only could stop you by making faults?
No, not really. I greet everyone after the game, no need to go any further than that.

Who has marked you best without playing it hard?
I don't know, the truth is that things don't work out in many games, because of the opponent or because it's just not your day.


This was the first part of this interview. You will be able to read the second part in the coming days with Messi not talking about his girlfirend.

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Messi: "With Ronaldinho, everything was easy"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi gave an interview an interview to Champions, the official magazine of the UEFA Champions League.





Barça organise their game around you. Halfway through, can you be the star of this UEFA Champions League?
Even though this is just the beginning of Josep Guardiola's era, and early to talk about such things, I don't think my role is any different to the one I played under Frank Rijkaard. All I can say is that I love playing in front of goal and making the difference in that part of the field; that's where I can be most dangerous and really hurt the opposition.

How much do Barça depend on you for creativity?
I am just one member of the attack. Any team that depends on just one player can't be a true football team.

Pep Guardiola comes across as much more of a disciplinarian than Rijkaard. Is that true?
Every coach follows his own rule book. As I see it, it is not true that Rijkaard lacked personality. That's a very hasty judgment. Under Rijkaard, Barcelona achieved a lot, and nobody criticised the way he was managing the squad while we were winning.

You missed last season's quarter-final with injury. How was it watching your team-mates?
It was one of the saddest moments I've experienced in my career so far. I wouldn't wish it to happen to anyone. And last year I had to go through that kind of thing several times. That's the reason I reacted so badly the moment I picked up the injury to my thigh. [He burst into tears when he tore a thigh muscle in his left leg.]

Is last season's disappointment behind you now?
I put that behind me from the very first moment. I'm not someone who lives stuck in the past. The only important thing for me is that Barcelona have huge challenges ahead of us.

How did Ronaldinho's exit affect the team?
The team hasn't been affected at all. You devote yourself completely to the team or you don't – everything comes down to results. Ronaldinho gave a lot to this club, nobody can deny that. But from time to time, a cycle comes to an end. For him, last season was the end of one of those cycles. Barcelona might have lost some important players, but we have an excellent squad, one that can mount a really strong challenge on the Spanish title. And the same can be said for the Champions League.

What influence – if any – did he have on your development at Barça?
He helped me a lot when I was starting out. As soon as I made it into the first team, he went out of his way to take care of me and helped me a lot with the day-to-day things and in my relationships with the rest of the squad. I will never forget the attention he paid to me. It is with things like that that you recognise the truly great people. On the field, he was one of the best partners I have ever had. With him, everything was easy.

Are you still in touch with him?
Absolutely. He is my friend, and I will never forget him. We were very close when we worked together, and as I say he has always been good to me.

There was a lot of talk about the party culture. How come you have not been caught up in that?
My family are my support. They help me keep both feet firmly on the ground, and I lean on them all the time. I don't care what people say, the only thing that matters is how you perform professionally. I am a very calm person and I live a quiet life.

You are now one of the leaders of the team. How does that kind of responsibility sit on your shoulders?
I'm ready to take on all the responsibilities the coach sees fit to trust me with. It's as simple as that. Barcelona are a very important part of my life. They have helped me during crucial moments, such as when they took care of my health problems. I was discovered by them, they have helped in my development and have always been very good to me. I feel at home at this club.

Finally, was your goal against Espanyol, the one that needed a helping hand, some kind of tribute to Diego Maradona's Hand of God goal against England?
Diego is the best football player in the history of the game. He is one of my heroes. I idolise him. Diego is unique and nobody can compare with him. But as far as that goal I scored things just happened that way. I wasn't thinking about Maradona's goal while I was running. It was only later, when I left the dressing room and talked to my family and saw it on television, that I became fully aware of what I had just done.

read the full and original interview here


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Messi: "Playing with Alves is fantastic"

Barcelona player Lionel Messi (21) gave an interview to the club's official media.





Do you feel like the star of a movie that is about to win all the major awards this season?
We are all part of a group and are keen to do big things for this team and its people. We really want to win titles at the end of the season. I feel like one more part of the group and I think if we keep working the way we are, success will come.

The stats this season are spectacular and you have a lot to do with that. How vital do you think Messi is for the team?
I have been lucky enough this season not to have had any injuries and that means I play more for the team. Last year I was out for many months so I now appreciate being able to play. But I feel as important as I always have been when I am on the pitch, and my team mates make sure I know that.

Against Mallorca you started as a sub, but you looked very active on the bench. Is that because you want to get out there and play?
Ever since I came to Barça I feel very involved in the team. Whenever I go out there I want to win and get the three points. When I have to watch things from the bench I suffer much more because it feels like there is nothing I can do to help.

You are sharing the right side of the pitch with Dani Alves. What is it like to have somebody like that coming up from behind?
He is an amazing player. Playing with Dani is fantastic because he’s a quality player and makes life easier for you on the pitch. It is a pleasure to have him in the side.

Are the rotations helping the team to do well?
The boss is using them to perfection. We are adapting well to the way of playing and I think if we continue with this system the rotating will make sure we can keep up our form until the end of the season.

From La Masía to the Ciudad Esportiva. What does the squad make of the change of home?
At first it was a bit hard to adapt to the Ciudad Esportiva, but now we are settled, we are fine. It is a better area for working in, it’s quieter.

Such a young player getting so much recognition. How are you keeping your feet on the ground?
You have to take everything that comes calmly. For me it is important to be close to my family and to enjoy their support. Your own people are always there to help if things go wrong.

What can we expect of such a promising future?
I hope that all the work we have done this season pays off in the form of titles.

read the full interview and watch the video here


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Messi: "Guardiola understands us so well"

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





Did Guardiola surprise you as a manager?
The word isn't surprise, because everyone knows who Guardiola is, but I do believe that he understands us so well because in the inside it feels like he's playing alongside us.

How would you describe him?
Personally, he understands me well and he knows what each one of us can do. He's an extra player, aside from being the manager. He knows how to get across his experience and everything he went through as a player.

Are you awaiting to become the best in the world or will that arrive eventually?
In reality I've never worried about becoming that, I'm only interested in the best for my team, collecting titles as a team... The individual awards must come and they will. They don't worry me, because that's not what I look for.

How did you remain calm with everything revolving the Ballon d'Or, with the Barcelona supporters voting for you?
I never think about that. I don't lose sleep thinking about this prize, not because it's not important, it's actually one the best awards that a footballer can receive. But I only think about the prizes that my team wins and the titles that Barcelona wins. It would be great to be able to give something to the supporters to smile about at the end of this season, we always feel their support, we always have the culés at our side...

Are you anxious for the FIFA award?
No, not at all, it's the same answer as before, it's one of the most important prizes, individually speaking, but I don't even try to think about getting it. If we win awards as a team, maybe I'll get individual awards.

What do you expect from the Maradona cycle? What did you get out of the talks with him?
I hope that things go great for him. If things go great for Diego, things will go great for us Argentinians. The talks with Diego always leave you things.

Are the successes of Barcelona boosted when there's a crisis with the historic rival, in this case Real Madrid?
I don't think that it's that, because a crisis that the rival goes through doesn't help with defeating the rest of your rivals. Also, we know that this is temporary and that very soon Madrid will return to fight.

What will you have a toast to on midnight of December 31?
I'll keep that to myself, hah. But probably to a great year, with health, peace... and what I told you when we began to chat: that the suffering of every kid in the world ends.

Translated by: AL


This was the second and last part of this interview. You can read the first part here:
Messi: "I'm growing with every match"

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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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