Kane: Messi is humble and team-Oriented; I wished him luck after the semifinal

Kane told Marca that Messi is humble, prioritizing the team, and that he hugged him after the semi-final to wish him good luck.

Marca interviewed the Bayern England striker in Munich, who is also one of the award candidates. Kane received Marca reporters in a room at the Allianz Arena in Munich around 11:50 PM, right after a match. Harry is very professional in all aspects. He was also very cooperative with Marca, agreeing to an interview no matter how late, and even posing for photos. As Kane posed, he exuded the affability of a football gentleman.

Question: Let's talk about the Champions League first. You've won everything in Germany, so the Champions League seems to be your biggest challenge at Bayern.

Answer: Yes, that's right. Last season was really good for us: second in the league phase, with 7 wins and 1 loss. After that, we also played some very good matches: Atalanta, Real Madrid... that one was especially special, and so was the one against Paris Saint-Germain. Those two matches were very exciting for the fans. Our narrow loss in the final was hard to accept. We were very close to the final, with enough confidence and strength to be on the final stage. But that's how the Champions League is, the difference between winning and losing is often very small.

Question: What about this year?

Answer: The key is to do pretty much the same, but take that final step. This Bayern team has enough hunger, both as a whole and as a team, and we also have the right coach.

Question: The final will be held in Madrid, and you will face Atlético Madrid in the league phase.

Answer: Yes. And I don't think I've ever played against them; that will be my first time. Atlético has proven how strong they are. They reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, and they deserve all my respect: it will be a difficult match, but we will be ready. I lost a Champions League final in that stadium (Wanda Metropolitano) (representing Tottenham Hotspur), and that was a very tough moment. Hopefully, this time going back, there will be a different story.

Question: You are a very special example: the older you get, the more goals you score. What is your secret?

Answer: One of them you all know very well. [Harry is referring to his personal sports doctor, Alejandro Elorriaga from Madrid.] Alejandro has played a very important role in my success.

Question: After working with him for so many years, what has he given you?

Answer: Alejandro plays a crucial role in my current condition. We've put in a lot of work behind the scenes. We've been working together for six and a half years [since March 2020], and he's one of the main reasons I can maintain this level and play so many games. My continuous improvement over these years is no coincidence, because many people think that at this age, performance usually declines. But for me, it's almost the opposite. Our collaboration with Alejandro has been very fulfilling and satisfying for both of us. He's also a great person, and we've spent a lot of time together, so I'm naturally very grateful for everything he's done.

Question: Do you have any other secrets?

Answer: Football sometimes depends on form, and at Bayern, having such a strong team around me allows me to score many goals, and also participate more in the game, pass, defend, and do everything I like to help the team. To be honest, I am in a very good physical and mental state right now... even better than ever! I have to make the most of this phase, because once you get older, time won't wait for you forever. But right now, I'm really in a great condition.

Question: Do you ever get tired of celebrating goals?

Answer: Never. Scoring goals is the most wonderful feeling. It's a huge adrenaline rush, and it also brings a strong sense of relief. I know that after I retire, I will definitely miss this feeling.

Question: You are one of the Ballon d'Or candidates. I know you don't really like to talk about your achievements, but you scored 73 goals in 65 games for Bayern and England in the 25-26 season... this might be enough to win the award.

Answer: It's complicated. I've never really liked talking about myself. I just want to say that last season was incredible for me, both individually and as a team. It was the best season of my career so far, by far the best. The number 73 goals says it all, it's already the second-highest in history [only behind Messi's 82 goals in 69 games in the 11-12 season]. I am very proud of this. I can only thank my teammates and everyone who helped me make all this possible. But the Ballon d'Or is not in my hands, it depends on the voters. In my opinion, last season is over. Now I'm focused on this season, and I'm eager to see what else I can achieve. I know that until October, everyone will keep talking about the Ballon d'Or because it's a big award.

Question: Harry, there's another interesting point. The 2026 edition will be held in London for the first time. How do you feel about this?

Answer: Yes, many people have told me about it, and maybe it's a good omen. Of course, if it's held in my hometown, that would make it even more special. So yes, holding it in London this year does feel wonderful. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Question: You always give credit to your teammates. You did the same when you won the Golden Boot [European League top scorer award]. If you win a third Golden Boot, you will join Messi [6] and Ronaldo [4] on the highest podium in history. No one other than those two has won three.

Answer: Messi and Ronaldo dominated an entire generation of football. They are among the greatest players in history. To be part of such a discussion is special in itself. This is a goal. As a striker, people expect me to score goals. The Golden Boot is not my only goal, but of course, if I get it, it also helps the team. So all of this motivates me. Every time I get one, I want another, and then another, and this time will be no different. I hope to be in that position again this season, score as many goals as possible in the Bundesliga, and then see if I can get another one.

Question: By the way, you played against Messi in a very controversial match at the World Cup, the semi-final between England and Argentina. But after the match, you and Messi showed great respect for each other. What do you think of that experience?

Answer: Of course, that day was very difficult for me. Getting knocked out like that was indeed a tough moment. However, I have immense respect for Messi. I've watched him grow as a player. I think he's an incredible player, and from what those who know him tell me, he's also an incredible person. I've only interacted with him two or three times, but in my opinion, he's very humble. He always puts the team before himself, and I think that's one of the reasons Argentina has been so successful. I remember I hugged him that day and wished him good luck in the final. In the end, it wasn't our World Cup, but that's how the World Cup is: the best players compete on the biggest stage, and of course, there's always a loser. After losing that day, I tried to keep my head up and show respect to the opponent. I think that's very important, especially to pay tribute to Messi, because his performance on the football field for so many years has been truly outstanding.

Question: I want to ask you about Mourinho, your former coach at Tottenham Hotspur. Was he a "special" person to you?

Answer: Yes, I liked him very much. We had a very good relationship at Tottenham Hotspur. Things didn't end the way we wanted, and it was hard for him not to coach that final [Kane is referring to the 2020-2021 League Cup final, as Mourinho was sacked in April]. It was hard for me too. But yes, I had a very good relationship with him. During his time at Tottenham, I played some of my best games. That year I won the Golden Boot and was the assist leader. I was allowed to be myself, to play, to drop back and receive the ball. I think, as a person, he understands every detail of the game, whether it's with or without the ball, tactics, or dealing with referees... whatever it is, he can understand every situation. I have great respect for him. Indeed, we haven't met much since he left Tottenham, but maybe we'll meet in the Champions League this year, and it would be good to reunite then.

Question: Would you say that Real Madrid, under Mourinho, would still be a tougher opponent for Bayern?

Answer: Real Madrid has signed good players, and Mourinho is also a great coach who brings out the best in his players. Real Madrid always has some of the best players in the world, and this year is no exception, just like last year. We know that it's very likely we'll face them in a match. Real Madrid always reaches the final rounds of the Champions League. Last year we were ahead of them [they eliminated Real Madrid in the quarter-finals], but we also know that match was very difficult. Now with Mourinho, it will only be harder.

Question: Bellingham has had a good start to the season. What do you think of him?

Answer: Bellingham and I worked very well together at the World Cup, whether it was the way we played and passed, or the connection with and without the ball, the chemistry was very good. And off the pitch, we also built a very strong relationship, which will only help the England team. It's great to see him adapt so well to Madrid. During the World Cup, I also talked to him a bit about Mourinho, and I knew he would like Mourinho. I also knew Mourinho would like Bellingham, and it's clear they seem to have a good relationship now. Bellingham has had a fantastic start. From an England perspective, this performance is very pleasing.

Question: You are very happy in Munich now, but was there ever a possibility of you playing in La Liga in the past?

Answer: There were some moments. I wouldn't say they were very clear opportunities, but there were some discussions in the past. I have great respect for La Liga. Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid are among the biggest clubs in the world. I grew up watching Ronaldo and Messi play... I have deep respect for these teams. We all know that anything can happen in football. I never rule anything out, but for now, as I said before, I am very happy in Germany.

Question: In a few days, Spain, this "second star" team, will face England at Wembley in their Nations League debut. What do you think of this match?

Answer: It will be a tough match. Spain is the current European and world champion. Over the past few years, we've always been very close to them, but in the end, it was always Spain who reached the finish line, not us. We have great respect for them. However, this is also an opportunity for us to get off to a good start in this Nations League. Spain won this competition a few years ago, and that helped them reach their current level. For England, this is a mirror. We haven't won a trophy in a long time, and perhaps this year, with the Nations League, we can do it. This can also help us prepare for the 2028 European Championship, which will be held at home. In short, the match against Spain will definitely be difficult because of their possession-based style and the players they have. I am very much looking forward to this clash.

Question: Finally, I want to talk about your family. You and your wife have known each other since you were teenagers, and you have four children... Is this one of the secrets to your career?

Answer: I think so. I believe that in professional football, the importance of family stability is not talked about enough, especially when it comes to young players. It's really very important. I am indeed very lucky to have found my wife, we even went to school together, and to have my parents, brother, and in-laws around. I know this is not something everyone can have, because everyone's situation is different. But I feel that when you are happy off the field, your life is stable, and things are going well, this state also carries over to the field, making you happy on the field too. So I am very grateful for everything they have done for me, and for their support. Everything I do, I try to do it as a team, with them. They are my biggest support.

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