Leo Messi is a child who plays with adults and very often surpasses them on the field thanks to the divine natural mastery. But as soon as he leaves the lawn, he again turns into a child. He sits nearby, with a reddened, embarrassed face. Small as a flea.
The best football analyst in the world, Jorge Valdano, recently wrote that Messi, who is only 19 years old, uses his talent very well. The player who goes against him, looking at this boy, must force himself to see a completely different person. Otherwise, he will have few chances to confront the Argentine. The interview taken in one of the Camp Nou offices had one condition: not to talk about Inter's interest in Messi or any other clubs. The explanation was this:
“I don't want to feed the rumors.” I am proud to be in Barcelona and only think about it.
- This club played a special role in your fate.
- Yes it's true. I was only 13 years old when people from Barca came to Argentina and said that they really believe in my potential and are ready to move my whole family to Europe. It wasn’t a simple deal, understand? This was convincing evidence of faith in a child ... A child who later stopped growing ....
- You already then, in Argentina, began treatment based on growth hormone?
- Yes. And “Barcelona” took all these cares upon itself, like everything else. I was given the right dosage, monitored my growth day after day, gave me courage in difficult times. Imagine a guy who plays in a team where anyone is at least a cut above him ... After all this story, it’s absolutely normal to be grateful to Barca no less than to parents.
- You are already the second season stably playing for the first team. What influence did you have on being among such great masters as Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Puyol?
“Don't talk about it in the past tense.” I continue to experience this effect to the maximum today. When any of them takes the floor in the locker room, I always shut up and look at my shoes. I'm not sure that such an example of humility correctly explains how I feel in relation to these celestials. But this feeling is much more than just admiration. The people you named are outstanding athletes. Nevertheless, from the first day they surrounded me with paternal care. And I admire this no less than what they did and continue to do as footballers. The locker room of Barcelona is very friendly. You can’t imagine how we are having fun reading in the press that there is a war in the team between some players.
- Until the last “classic” you were called in the press the great future of “Barcelona”. And after three goals in the gates of “Real” they started talking as a great sniper.
- Such efficiency was very necessary for me personally. For two reasons. First: to finally feel completely healthy. The second is deeper. For two years in the first team I scored very rarely, and this was unusual. Indeed, in all youth teams I was the top scorer - both in Barca and at home. I never played a pure striker, but constantly scored from this position. Three goals against Real Madrid helped realize that I can score among the greats. And I can’t even convey in words what I experienced when Raul hugged me first and congratulated me after the game. Then he talked about it at home, and he himself could not believe it.
“Why couldn't you?” After all, even Maradona has repeatedly proclaimed you as his heir ...
“Well ... Maradona always speaks very well of me.” But I cannot agree with him. No one in the world will be able to repeat his exploits.
“Have you talked to him for a long time?”
“Don't even ask.” Many say that I should call him and thank him for his kind words. But I can’t do it.
- Why?
- Because I'm shy. It’s not so easy to take a phone and call a legend. In any case, it’s not easy for me to do this. I'm a little shy.
- On the field it is not noticeable. Do not want to reveal the secret of your talent?
- The other day I was asked what I felt in Liverpool, before the starting whistle, when the English stands sang their anthem ...
- "You'll Never Walk Alone."
- Yes this. And I didn’t even pay attention to it. I perceive the environment very specifically and, in anticipation of the starting whistle, I see only the ball. And I start to think about something only when he gets to me. To think what to do with the ball for the good of the team. I don’t know if this is a secret. But it is my special relationship with a soccer ball that is the only thing that comes to my mind when trying to explain my football.
- Did you expect your first world championship to succeed?
- And I really liked everything. I played there at the age of 18, scored a goal ... We were knocked out of the tournament by the hosts, who were always a high barrier to any team. Yes, right after the defeat, I imagined how our possible semifinal with Italy would have developed. It could be an interesting game - after all, the Italians were very strong, and we looked good.
- Are you still burning away from the Champions League?
- The answer is yes. But I will explain. You can’t always win. Therefore, no one should make of this tragedy. There remains only a bitter disappointment. I am sure that “Barcelona” is able to win the Spanish League this year and win the King’s Cup. And thus give another great season to your fans.
- Can “Milan” and “Roma” win the dispute over the main trophy of Europe of seasoned English?
- Of course. All eight surviving teams have the right to think about the main victory. The style of Italians fascinates me. The British rely heavily on athleticism, and your players are much more technical and this is very reminiscent of the players in Spanish clubs.
- In Italy, there has been a lot of discussion recently about three aces: Ibrahimovic, Totti and Kaka. Who would you prefer?
- All three are outstanding players. Based on this, I dare to highlight all the same Kaka. With his game, he just drives me crazy. But this is not taking into account the players of “Barcelona” ...
Translation by George BYCHKOV