Leo Messi would rather win trophies than break records

Speaking on Thursday, the Argentinian says that "it’s so important for there to be a good atmosphere among the team. Some of us have won everything and still compete as hard as ever, as if we had never won a thing"

Neither the 37 match unbeaten run, nor qualification for the Champions League quarter finals for the ninth time in a row are reasons for the squad to think they can relax. And Leo Messi, speaking at a commercial event in Barcelona on Thursday, knows that only too well.

“We don’t think about the unbeaten run, or talk about it either” says the Argentinian. “What we want are titles. They are what count. If we can beat these records as well, then so much the better, but they don’t count for anything if you don’t win trophies too.”

Messi was also quizzed about his relationship with strike partners Luis Suárez and Neymar Jr, replying that “not only do the three of us in the trident have a good relationship, but also the whole squad. It’s so important for there to be humility and a good atmosphere among the team. Some of us have won everything and still compete as hard as ever, as if we had never won a thing. And that strengthens the team as a whole.”

“We have some amazing players and things don’t just depend on us three. We all try to do what we can both in attack and defence. We have a very deep, high quality squad.”

Asked about what it feels like to be heralded as the greatest footballer ever, he answers that “it is always nice when people say nice things about you, but all I try to do is enjoy playing football, keep learning every day and not settle for what I have. I hunger for more every day.”

Copa America

Leo was also asked about this summer’s Centennial Copa America in the USA, saying that “it is another opportunity for us Argentinians after playing in consecutive finals of the Copa America and World Cup and not winning either.”

“The lost finals still hurt, and especially the way we lost them, because we came so frustratingly close. We’ll try to make the most of this new chance this year and do the best we can to win the title. The whole squad is dreaming of that.”

“Chile won the last one, and I have to say that my day-to-day relationship with Bravo is spectacular.”

Social networks

To close, the Ballon d’Or winner commented that “having so many followers on social networks makes me feel very happy. I try to keep as close as I can to the fans, whether that’s by posting comments or photos. It’s a real joy to be able to do that, and let’s hope I can carry on doing it for a long, long time!”

from News at FCB http://www.fcbarcelona.com/football/first-team/detail/article/leo-messi-would-rather-win-trophies-than-break-records