Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or for the seventh time in his career on Monday. Following the award ceremony, the organizer France Football went to visit the Argentinian’s home for an interview. The 34-year-old Paris Saint-Germain attacker speaks out about refusing Neymar’s number 10, the comparisons with Diego Maradonna and Cristiano Ronaldo and everyday life as a superstar. He says, among other things, that he would occasionally like to act anonymously.
“I’ve been Messi for 34 years, so I’m getting used to it,” he replies with a sense of humor when asked what it’s like to be Lionel Messi. “I’m happy with everything I’ve been through. Still, I have to admit that sometimes I wish I could be an anonymous person so I could enjoy my family without people recognizing me I’m not complaining of course On the contrary it’s always nice to get a compliment or a smile Or someone asking me for a photo asks. I’m used to it and for me it’s become normal. It’s fine.”
According to the French football magazine, Messi has always remained modest and even a little shy. “Where does that come from? I come from a working-class family,” Messi said. “My father worked all day and we lived in a fairly modest neighborhood. But we never lacked anything, thank goodness. My parents taught me respect for others, work, and modesty. I grew up with those values. When I arrived in Barcelona at the age of thirteen, I found the same norms and values there. Besides, I am different in a familiar environment, close to my friends and my family. I may be more shy with some people outside of these relationships and find it harder to get comfortable, or at least take longer.”
The brand new Ballon d’Or winner also explains why he decided to play with number 30 at PSG. “The 10 was for him,” he refers to Neymar. “I joined a new team to help. We spent a lot of time together in Barcelona and we are friends. It seemed fairer to me if he kept number 10. That’s why I took another number that I like: 30,” said Messi, closing on the relentless comparisons with Ronaldo and Maradona.
“I always wanted to outdo myself and not look at what others were doing. With Cristiano we have maintained the competition in the same league for years. It was great and helped us grow in our careers. And Maradona? Honestly, I’ve never compared myself to Diego, absolutely never. I never paid attention to those comparisons, although I have been bothered by criticism towards me in the past.”