Messi: "Guardiola has given me so much"

Lionel Andrés Messi is a happy man. After winning the Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive year he has again been recognised as the world's best footballer and is seen as the number one. FC Barcelona are also playing very well and the Argentinian is enjoying one of the best moments of his career since he made his debut for the first team. Now has spoken to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat about what he has been feeling over the past few days and how excited he is about the challenges that lie ahead this term.

How does it feel to be the youngest player to win a second Ballon d'Or?
"Really great. It was superb last year when I won it the first time and now, having won it a second time, and to be up against two such great players who also deserved it, made me very proud."

You have always said that your challenge is to maintain the same level. can you see yourself winning three, four, even five Ballon d'Ors?
"I don't know (laughs). I hope to win it again, but if not then so be it. I would like to maintain my level and to win more trophise with Barça because that is what really interests me."

Is the best prize the fact that your team-mates, including Xavi and Andrés Iniesta with whom you shared the podium in Zurich, say you are the best and that the prize was indisputable?
"Yes, without doubt. It makes me feel good and truly happy that my team-mates support me and say good things. They have all congratulated me and were happy for me while asking to have their photos taken with the Ballon d'Or. That made me particularly happy."

Are you a better player now than in 2009?
"I think so. I have grown in others areas of my game that I did not have last year and that is good. Growing year after year and learning more things is important. I hope to continue progressing."

The compliments may not distract you, but does criticism motivate you?
"Yes. I am not fixated by the good or bad opinions, although I always seem to be told more about the bad things (laughs). I know that they motivate me if only to shut people up as well as aiming to grow from a personal point of view.

Pep Guardiola claims that he bears no responsibility for you being the best in the world, but do you think that you could have won it without him?
"Guardiola has given me so much since the first time we spoke. I remember he told me then: "With me you will score three or four goals every game." Because of how he lets me play and the position that puts me in on the pitch Guardiola has given me everything. I owe a lot to Rijkaard and want to think him for the confidence that he showed in me. But with Guardiola I have grown so much."

The team is playing at an extraordinary level. Do you believe this is the best football since Guardiola took over?
"Maybe, yes. We have improved small things in each game. Every season we try to do new things to stop our opponents from working us out and we develop our play and because of that we improve."

Can the team consider repeating the treble with the way you are playing?
"It is better to take things slowly. We are only in January now. The team should take advantage of our good forn and continue with what we are doing. It is still too early to say what we can win. What is certain is that we will battle to the end in all three competitions."