Lionel Messi is an Argentine footballer and striker for Paris Saint-Germain FC. He has won the Golden Boot six times and the Ballon d’Or seven times. His departure from club Barcelona, where he had played since 2004, came as a surprise to all fans in August. One of the best footballers now lives in Paris, having created a powerful team with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Lionel recently agreed to an interview with France Football, revealing a number of details from different aspects of his life.
In the interview, Lionel Messi discusses his departure from Barcelona and lists the players who are worthy of the Ballon d’Or.
On his farewell to the football club
“I did not expect such an outcome. I planned to sign a new contract and immediately start training, but upon my return to the city I found out that it was denied. I had to look for a new club because Barcelona did not have enough money to sign a new contract. It was difficult to accept these changes, because I understood that my whole family would have to get used to a new way of life, and that my children would have to get used to a new school. This was something I had never experienced before”.
On the move to Paris Saint-Germain
“Although I had certain suggestions and concerns, we concluded a contract with PSG in a short period of time. I had to agree on a lot of things. However, I didn’t hesitate long because PSG’s project and ambition, as well as the excellent selection of players, won me over”.
On the Champions League
“Everyone in Paris is just thinking about it. The management have been actively working on the issue in recent years and are getting closer to their goal. The Champions League is a difficult tournament and I would like to win it again. In my opinion, PSG have enough opportunities to win. For that we must play as a team and be guided by our common goal.
On the Ballon d’Or nomination
“I do not feel I am the favourite – in fact, I try not to talk about that before the results have been announced. At the same time, I do not mind getting another award. This summer I won the long-awaited trophy – the America’s Cup. It will be great if I win the Ballon d’Or, but I do not want to think about it before it happens. In the team I play for, Mbappe and Neymar totally deserve to win. Lewandowski and Benzema have also distinguished themselves through their outstanding performances.
On Kylian Mbappe
“Kylian is easy to understand and his Spanish is very good. I didn’t know Kylian much after moving to Paris. I wondered, like everybody else, about the likelihood of him leaving the team. It was great for all of us to hear he was staying.
On the differences between Kylian Mbappe and Luis Suárez
“These players have different styles. Kylian prefers to work with the ball, he’s quick and strong – he can destroy any opponent if he has space. As for Luis, he plays well in his own area and scores a lot of goals. Kylian and Luiz are two outstanding players, but they each have their own strengths.