“I don’t think I will go to Europe to play football again, but I will live in Barcelona again”
Madrid, November 4 (European Media) –
2023 Ballon d’Or winner and Argentinian striker Leo Messi has assured that Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo and his “good fight on a sporting level” over the years are worthy of “Lots of accolades.” He believes that starting in 2024, a “new era” will begin that can be seen “from the outside.”
“On a sporting level it’s a very good battle. We feed each other through this rivalry because we are both great competitors. Cristiano also wants to win everything. It’s great for both of us and for everyone who loves football. It’s a very enjoyable moment for everyone. “I think we deserve a lot of credit for being able to stay on top for such a long time. It’s extremely difficult to stay at the top for ten or fifteen years,” he told France Football.
In this sense, he said the Ballon d’Or was “a great reward for everything” but stressed that it was the “collective award” that was important. “I had the chance to win every possible title with Barcelona and then in Argentina, which is the most important thing for me,” he stressed. “These eight Ballon d’Ors reflect my mentality and drive, this desire to improve myself day after day. I always say I love winning, I’m allergic to losing,” he added.
Additionally, he revealed who he thinks the future winner will be. “There could be a very good battle in the next few years with players like Haaland, Mbappe, Vinicius… a lot of young people who will fight for the next Ballon d’Or. I’m also thinking of Lamin Ya Marr, he is still “He is young, but he is already playing at Barcelona and that is decisive. Other players will show up, just like what happens all the time. This will be a new era that I will observe with pleasure from the outside,” he said.
He also spoke about the seasons of Norwegian Erling Haaland and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, who accompanied him to the Ballon d’Or podium this year. “Haaland has had an incredible season. He scored a lot of goals, won the Champions League and won the treble with Manchester City. I’m sure he will become a regular candidate for the Ballon d’Or. one.” in the coming years. I wouldn’t be surprised. Win it very quickly,” he said. “Same with Kylian: he had a very good season, had a fantastic World Cup and his goal almost ruined our final. He is one of the football players who wins this award every year because he is the best player in the world”, continuously.
Elsewhere, the Argentinian striker opened up about his experience leaving Paris Saint-Germain and joining Inter Miami. “I thought about what was best for my family and me at that moment. The fact that I became a world champion and achieved all the goals I had set for myself in my career allowed me to think beyond the sporting aspect as well. Think “For the well-being of my entire family, benefit from another perspective. It was a decision we made together,” he revealed.
He also admitted that a return to FC Barcelona is possible. “I could have gone back to Barcelona, but that was not possible. My first thought was always to go back home, to be able to play at Barcelona again and retire there, like I had always dreamed of. But it wasn’t Maybe. So we decided to come to Miami,” he said, denying the possibility of joining Barcelona in the winter transfer market after the team failed to enter the “playoffs”. “No, not at all,” he said firmly.
“I don’t think I’ll play in Europe anymore”
On the other hand, he believes that he has completely turned a new page in European football. “Yeah, I think so. Thank God I’ve been lucky enough to have a phenomenal career, I’ve played in Europe for many years and won everything I dreamed of. Now that I’ve taken the step to come to the United States, I I Don’t think I’ll go back and never play in Europe again. I’ll miss playing in the Champions League or La Liga for the rest of my life, those competitions that have a special flavor. But I enjoy it as much as I can, so I don’t have any frustrations, ” he revealed.
However, once his football career is over, he will return to Barcelona. “In principle, we will live in Barcelona again. This is our home, we have our daily life, our friends, whether it is my wife, my children or myself. But I don’t know what I will do. I haven’t yet. I’ve thought about it but I don’t want to do it. I want to enjoy my last few years as a footballer, doing what I’ve loved doing since I was a kid. When I hang up my boots, I’ll find my new path. Coaching? I don’t think so, but it’s about football because it’s my whole life,” he said.
Messi also assured that his body feels “good”. “I’m not thinking about the future, I’m improving day by day. My body feels good. I’m going to have a few months off, which has never happened in my career, to be suspended for so long. I’m going to “Return to training in March and get back in shape during pre-season to achieve our goals at the club and also to prepare for the Copa America. I don’t know how much longer I can play. I want to continue until I feel I can’t take it anymore,” He said.
Therefore, he does not want to think about whether Argentina can defend its world championship title at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “There is still a lot of time left, and although it goes by very quickly, there is still a lot of time. “The World Cup is still a few years away, and I don’t want to look that far away. It’s not just about being there, it’s about feeling good and being able to contribute to the team. Knowing my age at the time (39), it might seem difficult for me, but we’ll see how my body feels,” he said.
On the other hand, he talked about how he sees Xavi’s Barcelona. “I follow them, I watch the games, of course, just like when I played in Paris. In my opinion, the team has developed very well since I arrived. The young people have an excellent level. There are A great team with a fighting chance in all areas. “The front is on the line this year,” he said.
Recalling the World Cup final he considered his “best game” against Albiceleste, Messi admitted he “never” thought they would lose, even against Mba The same was true when Pei equalized and forced overtime. “I’m sure we will be world champions no matter what. This draw was a big blow but we already experienced the same situation against the Netherlands and the team did not collapse but played very well again in extra time performance,” he explained.
Finally, he recalled his thoughts when Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty. “A thousand things were running through my mind… It’s hard to explain how I felt in that moment. I’ve been fighting for this dream my whole life,” he said. “This is mine, but also my family, my friends and all Argentinians. I said to myself ‘It doesn’t matter, I won everything’. When I saw the trophy on the stage I couldn’t believe it was us Yes, we are the “World Champions.” This was the first time I had the chance to touch her and I immediately wanted to kiss her. I wanted to enjoy every second of that moment,” he concluded.