ENTREVISTA A JUGADOR MESSI

At 23 , Messi has 31 goals in 36 matches in the Champions League. TIME Interview .

It has also secured many victories for his team , FC Barcelona. Despite this , the early season has left a sour taste .

On Friday morning , when we met after a light training session , Messi seemed in high spirits . He was wearing sportswear and had not yet tried the fragrance of his new Italian sponsor , Dolce & Gabbana , the same that will provide her wardrobe for " major events " he says. " I am not obliged to use their clothing at all times. I feel comfortable with clothing Barcelona , and I like to dress casually ." And that reflects who you are.

After putting the microphone on his shirt and talk about his family , his fiancee , and other things , the interview begins. On the agenda : what we remember of this year , his friends at FC Barcelona , Tomas Ujfalusi , the player of Atletico Madrid Messi struck in September , Massimo Moratti , president of Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho , the new Real Madrid coach . And of course, the Golden Ball Cup, the trophy awarded to the best player of the year Messi won last year and would like to receive again . Although no illusions . " I think I can win again this year? " He asks. Whatever it is, you can not go wrong with Fifa Messi,far from it !

Leo , arrived at the end of 2010 , has been a good year for you ?

All in all , yes. First of all , it's been a busy year . Many things have happened . Some good , like winning the League title ( the award as player of the year in the league ), some awards like the Golden Boot ( the annual award given to the best players of all European leagues ) , and other less pleasant . For example , the performance of Argentina in the World Cup .

Is that your biggest disappointment ?

I can not say that the elimination of Barcelona in the hands of Inter Milan , so close to the end of the Champions League , it was something that filled me with joy. We would classify and would defend the title. No luck , and do not play well enough. I am consoled by losing to the team that ended up winning the tournament.

Now , the World Cup was something else. I really expected to go further. It was our goal and I think we had the talent to reach the quarter -finals at least . The removal and the result of the match against the Germans (4-0 in the quarter -finals) really affected us .

Not to open old wounds , but how do you explain that their opponents were so superior physically during that game ?

If we gave the impression that we were taken advantage by the speed of the German players was because the first goal, scored so early (Thomas Muller , 3rd minute) , really hurt us . Once they were up , we try to take control and equate , but that created open spaces. And with his speed, paid handsomely. But on the other hand we feel good , physically and mentally . Only we have a stronger team that day.

Was it not a mistake to play him the third game ?

Not think we can blame the tiredness . Personally , I was in good shape before the quarterfinals match .

Although it has scored a goal in South Africa, were you able to leave the tournament with the feeling of having fulfilled Argentina ?

I played my best games . And I was not alone. In the World Cup we all did our best performances . Until that game against Germany ...

Do you regret not having scored a single goal ?

It bothered me a little, do not deny it . I would have liked , especially after the few times that I had in almost every game . The truth is that the ball seemed unwilling to reach their goal. Stuck on poles . I failed against some excellent archers , especially Nigeria ( Argentina won 1-0 with a goal from Gabriel Heinze ) . But what disappointed me was our disposal.

After the World Cup , did not had a vacation too short ?

Two or three weeks is not bad .

However, since the beginning of the season , FC Barcelona has been tired ...

Preparation did not have a particularly good , at least not the best . We had quite a few trips , parties , temperature changes . Some players who participated in the World Cup took time to find his rhythm . And like most of our team participated in the World Cup , it was not easy . We played some games , like the Super Cup of Spain , without having a real training (1-3, 4-0 against Sevilla ) . We had a good preseason and this explains why the team has been a little tired. Not to mention that busy schedule , the large number of games and all games abroad.

Does this explain his lack of vitality ?

It could , yes. But I'm not worried. When I look at our performance , I see we're playing pretty well . As we normally do .

Do you mean for you and other players ?

For all clear . In many cases we have not been fortunate enough to take advantage of every opportunity presented to us . But the way we play is always the same .

After playing against Valencia (2-1 win , seventh round ) , you are not looking very pleased with himself ...

When not playing a good game , I admit. It is a form of self-criticism , especially because it is something that all players experience .

Does Real Madrid as the most dangerous competitor in the league ?

They have some great players , as always. They also had notable transfers this year. But do not forget to Valencia, which is also a great team.

Madrid also has new coach Jose Mourinho. What do you think of it ?

It's a very good coach , a winner and an expert who has won almost everything. There is no doubt that it is the right coach for Real . Just as Barcelona, Real is a club unwieldy. Mourinho 's career , his behavior and personality are good for the computer.

Mourinho said that Cristiano Ronaldo is stronger than you, do you agree ?

Everyone has a right to their own opinion and must be respected. (Laughs )You may be right!

Could you say that Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is better than Mourinho ?

As I have never worked for him, I can not answer . All I know is that Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the best.

He supported ? ' The Red ' Spanish in the World Cup final ?

It is natural . Barcelona had eight friends in Spanish alignment and wanted them to win . But I have to confess I did not watch the final. After being eliminated , I did not do it. He was sick and isolated myself . Also I'm not a fan of watching games on television. In any case it was difficult to escape, because he wason all channels !

Is there any doubt the triumph of Spain ?

This team certainly deserved to win . He had a beautiful game . It was a favorite and endured a lot of pressure . He reached the final playing a World Cup . They also had some luck , especially

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