After being presented with a record sixth
ESM Golden Shoe, the Barcelona star sat
down to talk frankly about his life and career
“I want to win
the Champions
League again”
LIONEL MESSI
when they grow up?
It is hard to say now. They are still very young.
As they grow they will find their space with the
things that they enjoy. It is very difficult to say
today because life has lots of twists and turns.When you look back, what do you feel about
your career?
In this profession there is not much time to stop
and think about the past. We live day by day and
focus more on what is to come rather than what
we have achieved. In football, unfortunately,
you enjoy things just a little because every three
days you encounter a new challenge and other
targets. When I retire I will be able to remember
and admire what I have achieved much more.Are you are a more confident person?
Obviously, you grow and learn [as you get older].
You add experiences in all aspects of life, on
and off the pitch. As a human being, having three
children made me change my perspectives on
life, my way of thinking and also growing up.Do children’s tantrums help them grow up?
Of course, it is good that there are tantrums,
activity and joy inside the house, although
sometimes it is a bit excessive.Do they realise when you are injured?
Now they understand what it means to be
injured. They ask me how long it will take for me
to return. Normally they call me all the time to
play, to have a game or shoot a few shots. But
they know when I’m injured I can’t. Sometimesthey forget. “It is true you can’t, you’re injured,”
they tell me when they realise. They understand
what it means.What is your favourite Spanish dish?
I always said that it’s roast, milanesa [breaded
meat fillet] or pasta. The type of food that I like
is something very simple.Your Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique has
revealed that he once ate half a Nutella jar.
Do you have any such habits?
A little chocolate, milk sweets or ice cream.
Anything that is sweet could work. I try to eat
little of it, but I do like it.When relaxing at home with the family,
what do you like to do?
There are few moments of relaxation at home
with three children! We try to experience the
moments and enjoy every second with the
children, whether it is watching TV, playing or
doing anything with them. We stay at home a
lot and enjoy these moments.Which TV shows do you like watching? What
about with the children?
We are not watching much [terrestrial] TV, we are
more into series. But when we are with them we
watch cartoons or movies that they like because
they are the ones who are in charge.You are a fan of Games of Thrones. Did you
like the ending?
The truth is that it was not what I expected; IWhat did your children say
to you when they were there
and saw you win the award?
They were happy. The truth isthat they were a little tired in the end because
the gala was long. But they were very happy and
were looking forward to [me] winning the award
so that they could go up [on stage], be with me
and enjoy it. It was a spectacular moment.
What did they say about the other players?
They know everyone and the truth is everyone
likes them because they are passionate about
football. They watch the matches of all the
teams, not only those of Barcelona or Argentina.
They were really freaked out looking at everyone
because they knew them from the cards and
from seeing them in matches. They were a little
shy but enjoyed themselves.
Is Antonela still excited to see you up there?
Whenever I have to receive these awards and
accolades she enjoys it very much. And this time
it was special because the whole family was there
...well, almost everyone because Ciro was missing.
What do you admire most about Antonela?
The truth is that [I admire] everything. She has
many good qualities: how she gets by on a daily
basis, her personality, she is always in a good
mood and she always faces up to problems in
an admirable way. She is a very intelligent person
who is great in all aspects of life.
How do you think your children will be