Lionel Messi said he does not feel comfortable being a role model and has never dreamed of becoming the best player in football history.
The Paris Saint-Germain star has been awarded the Ballon d’Or this week for the seventh time, extending the record as the man with the most wins in the history of the award.
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The Argentina international has been hailed as an example for young players to follow throughout his career, but Messi admits he doesn’t see himself as a role model.
What does Messi say about being a role model?
“I don’t know if I’m a role model,” he told France Football. “I don’t like being a role model or giving advice.
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“I fought for my dream. At first it was to become a professional footballer, then I try to get ahead of myself and achieve new goals every year.
“Amidst it all, there’s also an element of luck. That also depends on God, and I believe he chose to have all of this happen to me.”
Is Messi the best player of all time?
The 34-year-old’s latest success has rejuvenated the debate over his place in game history.
The former Barcelona star has been compared to compatriot Diego Maradona since his early days, while he has battled Cristiano Ronaldo to be considered the best player of the moment.
But Messi says he doesn’t know if he’s the greatest in history.
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“For me, just being considered one of the best players in the world is more than enough. It’s something I never dared to imagine or dream of.
“But… I don’t know how to say it so it doesn’t get misunderstood.. Not that I don’t care about it, but, let’s just say I don’t take all of that seriously. That doesn’t change. anything for me to be the best or not. And I’ve never tried to be either of those things.”
