Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has insisted he doesn’t feel as if he is in competition with Real Madrid counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi was speaking at a sponsor’s event and the subject of the Portugal captain was raised, particularly after Ronaldo usurped Messi as the winner of the Ballon d’Or.
“As I’ve said many times, I don’t feel in competition with Cristiano,” AS reports Messi as saying.
“I play my game and I do my work. I don’t care to compete with him or anyone else. Individual awards are the ones I care less about.
“I don’t know what place I’ll have in history and I don’t think about it. I just want to win more trophies.
“I’ve not thought about playing anywhere else, although things can change in life. But I’m only thinking of Barca.”
Messi may not be concerned with the Ballon d’Or but he revealed he expects teammate Neymar to win it in the near future.
“I don’t know when he’ll win it but he has the quality to win it at some point,” Messi confirmed regarding the Brazil international.
“As for our connection, we’re playing closer than last year. He’s a great player and it’s a pleasure to share the pitch with him.
“I have a very good relationship with Neymar. He’s a terrific guy. We get along on and off the pitch.”
Messi was also asked what he feels the best Barca game of his career has been and he pointed to the 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley.
Barca beat United 3-1 with Messi taking a starring role but it was the team performance that he says he remembers.
“That was one of the best games in history,” Messi continued.
“We all played great and we had control of the ball throughout the game.”
