The Argentine star gave an interview to France Football after the magazine awarded him his seventh Ballon d'Or, and plenty of ground was covered.
On Monday the world watched as Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was awarded his record seventh Ballon d’Or at the glitzy Parisen ceremony. France Football magazine is behind the award and on Saturday published an interview with the now-PSG player.
Messi on refusing Neymar’s ’10’
The importance of being humble: “I come from a working class family, my father worked all day and we lived in a rather modest neighbourhood. But we never lacked for anything, thank God. My parents instilled in me respect, especially for others, as well as hard work and humility. I grew up with these values. When I arrived in Barcelona at the age of 13, I found the same values at La Masia.”
Rejecting Neymar's off of the no. 10 shirt at PSG: "The ’10’ was for him. I came to a new team to help. It was an extraordinary gesture on his part, but I expected it because I know Neymar. We spent time together at Barcelona and we are friends. It seemed fairer to me that he kept the number ’10’. That's why I took another one that I liked [30].”
Why he lay down behind the free kick wall in the 2-0 win over Man City: "At that moment it needed to be done. We were winning. Nobody else was there to do it and because I was, I just did it. To be honest there was nothing to it. We all need to contribute something to get results.”
What he thinks about being considered the best in history: "I never said I'm the best in history nor do I try to push that perception myself. For me, being considered by others as one of the best in history is more than enough. It's something I would never have imagined. It's something that doesn't interest me, it doesn't change anything whether I'm considered the best or not. And I never wanted to be.”
Is it tough being Lionel Messi on a daily basis?
"I've been Messi for 34 years, so I'm starting to get used to it. I'm happy with everything that's happened, although sometimes, I have to admit, I'd quite like to go unnoticed, to enjoy being with my family without people recognising me.
"I'm not complaining, though, on the contrary. It's always nice to receive a compliment, a smile or someone asking for a photo with me.
"I'm used to it and for me it has become normal. So I'm very happy."
NajeebYusufLadan
391
all these respect and humanity changed me to became a MESSI's fan dispatch of I'm Man United fan. congratulations once again my GOAT
STORMDC
154
Respect for others is highly regarded as the one the aspect of human existence.....al though messi is by far better than neymar and he has been known for with that number 10 through out his career....but he choose to take up a new identity.......in the end,he lost one,but gained two....A ballon d or and a new name THE SEVEN DRAGON BALL.....Respect everyone no matter how insignificant they are to you
InvisiblePrance
88
No lies spotted
DEVANCY
49
MESSI MOVE TO PSG AS TAUGHT US THAT, NO ONE IS LOYAL.... ONLY TO MONEY...WHILE RONALDO MOVE TO MANCHESTER UNITED HAS TAUGHT US LOYALTY IS NOT A WORD IS A LIFESTYLE
Abubakar_01
35
If u read the article, u cant hate this man even cr7 fans would agree
Gunners4ever❤
32
No lies spotted
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Broke_jr
20
No lies spotted
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Factos
15
MESSI MOVE TO PSG AS TAUGHT US THAT, NO ONE IS LOYAL.... ONLY TO MONEY...WHILE RONALDO MOVE TO MANCHESTER UNITED HAS TAUGHT US LOYALTY IS NOT A WORD IS A LIFESTYLE
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Yes, the guy who clashed with Perez bcoz Messi earned more than him n left his club is loyal? N the guy who was willing to take 50% pay cut despite that putting him below some bench warmers of team. But couldn't be signed bcoz of La Liga rules of even he played for free. That guy is not loyal. If that is your definition of loyalty, I pity the people who think u r loyal to them.
Hehdpstuyz
14
all these respect and humanity changed me to became a MESSI's fan dispatch of I'm Man United fan. congratulations once again my GOAT
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funny I like this guy because of his humility before is talent
Gunners4ever❤
14
MESSI MOVE TO PSG AS TAUGHT US THAT, NO ONE IS LOYAL.... ONLY TO MONEY...WHILE RONALDO MOVE TO MANCHESTER UNITED HAS TAUGHT US LOYALTY IS NOT A WORD IS A LIFESTYLE
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Say no to drugs
LarryJay1
13
No lies spotted
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modric didn't win his balon d'Or when xavi and iniesta were playing in the top flight, Messi did when Ronaldo was
Fabcklmt
11
all these respect and humanity changed me to became a MESSI's fan dispatch of I'm Man United fan. congratulations once again my GOAT
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me too I like football because of him I start watching football in 2015 that's Messi ucl final match
AhmedBarade2019
10
give this man award again Respect'd'or
Plantaris
10
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Factos
Supclmnosy
8
all these respect and humanity changed me to became a MESSI's fan dispatch of I'm Man United fan. congratulations once again my GOAT
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You are a great person. I wish to be your friend because of this your great comment. please if you are on Facebook add me : AjassThree Zaanizoyi. Thanks