Messi: It is crazy to compare me to athletes like Jordan, Bolt & Ali

Jan 21, 2013 8:45:00 AM

The 2012 Fifa Ballon d'Or winner remains humble amid comparisons to some of the world's sporting greats, and has stressed that he is his own biggest critic

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has revealed that comparisons to other athletes such as Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt and Muhammad Ali make him feel uncomfortable.

The prolific attacker has been likened to the aforementioned greats for the way he has dominated football in recent years, but Messi would rather not evaluate his career until he has hung up his boots for good.

"It’s crazy that I’m compared to athletes like Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt or Muhammad Ali," Messi was quoted as saying by El Periodico de Catalunya.

"I don’t like comparisons, who am I to compare myself to someone else? I do my job and when [my career] is over we’ll see how well I’ve done."

The Argentine then went on to stress that he is not easily satisfied with his own performances.

"The biggest critic of Messi is Messi. I know when I do things correctly and when I do them poorly. I’m my No.1 critic."

The 25-year-old has netted 29 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this term.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!