[ad_1]
In one of his rare interviews, Lionel Messi explains why he never sought psychological help, talks about his anger with the club and reveals where he would like to play.
I had a hard time dealing with: Lionel Messi.
Photos: Imago
In fact, he wanted to leave Barça after 20 years, but was forced to stay.
Meanwhile, Messi says he is happier again. However, it is quite possible that he will leave the club for free at the end of the season.
At first it seems a bit awkward. It should be noted that Lionel Messi rarely gives longer interviews, especially not in front of the cameras. But there he is, in a conversation that the Spanish television channel “La Sexta” had been announcing for a long time. And after journalist Jordi Évole expressed his admiration and even handed him his son’s Barça shirt to sign, the soccer star seemed to loosen up a bit. The result was an entertaining conversation with blows to the club’s leadership, some laughter, and persistent scrutiny about its uncertain future. An extract of the topics covered.
Bad looser
“If I lose, I get very angry,” admits Messi with a smile. He adds a bit more thoughtfully: “Then I say things that I later regret. But that’s the way I am. “Even as a child, I couldn’t lose. Was that why the embarrassing 2: 8 against Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals was twice as bad?” No, that was also a defeat very, very difficult. We all suffer a lot because of that. “
Psychological help
When Évole asks him if he ever sought psychological help, Messi reflects for a long time and replies: “No. I should have gone to the psychologist, I know, but I never went. “Those around him suggested conversations with the specialist, especially with his wife Antonella. Although Messi had known himself that it would have helped him, he refused:” I am very introverted and not I like to share my feelings. I prefer to eat everything on myself, that’s the way it is. ” The six-time world footballer did not want to reveal what issues were involved.
Problems with the Barça
The emotion was great when it was learned that Messi had sent his resignation to his heart club, Barcelona, by fax. However, he tells Évole: “I would do it again.” After all, then-president Josep Maria Bartomeu always ignored him when he said in previous months that he would like to leave the club. In any case, he was very disappointed by Bartomeu, who has since resigned: “I assure you that he was dishonest several times. During years. ”
In addition, Messi was amazed by the departure of his friend Luis Suárez: «Especially on the road. Did such a player, free of charge, pay the full salary and then a competitor for the direct title of the league (Atlético de Madrid, v. Red)? It’s crazy. ”
Messi was always clear that he could win a possible legal battle with Barcelona and get out of his current contract without paying a transfer fee. “But taking Barça to court was never an option for me,” he says.
WhatsApp group with Neymar and Suárez
Since the Champions League draw showed that Barcelona would face Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16, the WhatsApp group of the three former teammates has once again been a bit hot. Furthermore, Neymar recently said that he would like to play with Messi next season: “It must finally happen again.” So could Neymar return? Messi laughs: “How should it work? There is no money there. I think that obligation will be very, very expensive. “
Will he stay if the new president suits him?
Because the soccer star kept saying that he didn’t know if he was going to extend his contract, which would expire in the summer, Évole tried otherwise. Then ask what could convince Messi to stay. One option would be for the correct president to be elected on January 24. The Argentine does not want to reveal who he is crossing his fingers for. “It is always wrongly said that I choose players and coaches,” he says, adding with a laugh: “Imagine what would happen if I said which president I would like best.” The favorites are Joan Laporta, who was in charge from 2003 to 2010 and has a good relationship with Messi, and Víctor Font, who promised to bring club legend Xavi Hernández as coach.
Then Évole starts another attempt. Would you beat Messi if your former teammate Xavi became a coach? The Barça captain laughs again: “As I was saying, I don’t know what summer it will be. Now I’m concentrating on the season. “But if he leaves, Messi says:” Then one day I want to go back to the club. “Not as a coach, but more as a sports director, as he says with a smile:” Then I will finally be able to hire players and coaches that suit me. “
Title chances this season
Over and over again, Messi emphasizes that he is leaving his personal future behind to focus on winning titles. However, he also said that he knew before the start of the season that it would be a transitional year. The team is too young, it is too mixed. But he has some nice words for his new coach, Ronald Koeman: “It’s a real stroke of luck.”
Dream destination USA
Towards the end Messi surprisingly confirmed the rumors that he could also move to the United States: “I have always said that I have a dream, that I want to enjoy the experience of living in the United States, living this league and this life. But I don’t know if it will come that way. ”Recently, according to media reports, David Beckham hoped to sign Messi for his Inter Miami.
