Coming off a Liga and Copa del Rey double, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is desperate to taste success with Argentina in Russia this summer
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has said he would swap a Barcelona title for a trophy with the national team ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
Messi has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at Barca, however, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is still searching for his first major senior title with Argentina.
The 30-year-old was involved as Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil, while Messi could not prevent back-to-back defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America deciders.
Coming off a Liga and Copa del Rey double, which took his trophy tally to 32 at Camp Nou, Messi is desperate to taste success with Jorge Sampaoli's men.
"I would change a Barcelona title for one with the national team," Messi told Argentinean TV channel El Trece.
"Winning a title with Argentina would be something unique."
Argentina will face Iceland (June 16), Croatia (June 21) and Nigeria (June 26) in Group D at the World Cup, starting next month.
The two-time world champions – who last won the showpiece event in 1986 – scraped into the tournament thanks to Messi's magic.
And Messi conceded Argentina are below the likes of Brazil, Spain and reigning champions Germany.
"I have great faith in this group, we are working very well, we have players with a lot of capacity and experience," he said.
"But we do not have to throw the message of 'we are going to be the world champion because we are the best', because the reality is that it is not like that."
On Group D, Messi added: "Iceland are a team that showed in the last European Championship that they are difficult for anyone.
"Croatia have a midfield that plays very well, it is a style like Spain but one level below, and Nigeria always challenge us."
Jasper308
145
Messi Fan boys and CR7 fan boys has totally spoiled the joy of football. ........ They can't watch without useless comparison, Messi needs WC and people are here mentioning CR7. Let's enjoy them all without this useless comparison
alexGodwin
96
I don't know how people reason like illiterate, "exchanging barca trophy for international trophy" we all know its impossible, but a figure of speech used to express his desire to achieve an international trophy. and some re here saying shit out from their mouth
kelvinkings
50
Wow.. Again you are in a dream and trying to convince your self. Ronaldo has made a better with his leadership and play definitely he alone can never win a game. But did you forget he made MAN U SHINE LIKE NEVER B4. Later Real Madrid was already the greatest clubs of all. He shined there as well doing all that's possible and bringing MADRID TO FINAL. AGAIN IT'S A TEAM GAME. BUT HE SCORED IMPORTANT GOALS WHICH SOMEWHERE BROUGHT REAL MADRID TO THE FINAL. AND IN THE FINAL BALE MADE REAL MADRID WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. RONALDO MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. LOT MORE DIFFERENCE THEN WHAT ANY OTHER PLAYER DOES. IF YOU REMEMBER THE MATCH PORTUGAL IN FINAL AND RONALDO HAD TO GO CZ OF INJURY. HE WAS STILL BEING A LEADER, SUPPORTING HIS TEAM FROM OUT SIDE. IF HIS IS PENALDO THEN NO OTHER PLAYER AS A GOOD A HIM IN PENALTY. DEFINITELY THERE ARE GOING TO BE AMAZING PLAYERS OUT THERE BUT NONE LIKE A AMAZING PLAYER AND A GREAT LEADER WHO CARRY HIS TEAM TO THE GLORY. NOW IF YOU REMEMBER MESSI IN THE RECENT GAME WHILE HE WAS INJURED AND COULD NOT PLAY FOR BARCA. HE NEVER SHOWED UP NEAR THE STADIUM TO SUPPORT HIS MATES. HE A FANTASTIC PLAYER BUT NOT A GOOD LEADER OR ANYTHING.
well is quite obvious u aren't updated with Barcelona news...I will only touch few point 4rm the trash u drop... firstly regarding messi nt showing up in the match that barca lost then regarding him as nt a good leader show how feebleminded u are. well messi wasn't injured he was rested which means he is nt included in the squad...moreover it was an away game...TO PROVE UR POINT GIVE ME A MATCH THAT RONALDO WASNT INCLUDED IN THE SQUAD IN AN AWAY MAN AND HE showed up. SO ronaldo been on the bench and give support to his team mate wasn't a big deal leaner every player does dat..wat did u expect in a final match.
MayankAbiNiraula
45
haha guess what would have been the situation if ronaldo had said the same statement "I would have swap 1 madrids trophies for Portugal's worldcup". Barca fan would have gone crazy with "Selfishnaldo "Comments. With due respect Messi you are amazing and extraordinary player ,be a good leader , encourage ur team mates and work hard you have possibility to win world cup,you don't need to exchange or make statement of exchanging the barca trophies as it the property of entire barcelona.. And true barca fans apart from messi fans donot want it to happen,Not even ur to be president pique would love to hear that.