Messi Dreams Of Titles

Messi, who has just returned to Spain with a gold medal won with Argentina at the Beijing Olympics, is eyeing more glory and admitted it is the big prizes that fill his dreams.

Speaking to El Mundo the Argentinean said: “In my best dreams I can see myself winning the Champions League and then the 2010 World Cup with Argentina.”

Barcelona were knocked out of last season’s Champions League by eventual winners Manchester United, and Messi warned that the Premier League sides would once again be a force to be reckoned with in the competition.  He said: “They [Chelsea] have strengthened but today the menace comes from every English team.”

Whilst Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all qualified for the group stages of the Champions League, Messi warned that the Spanish sides would also prove stiff competition. He explained: “In Spain, it’s still the same rivals [Real Madrid] as well as Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.”

However, the Barcelona star refused to discount his own side, who have also strengthened considerably this summer, and admitted he was hoping they could land some silverware this season. Messi insisted: “But we are good enough to compete in every competition. They’re going to count with us in the Champions League and in La Liga.”

Pep Guardiola’s side are facing huge pressure to claim a trophy this season having missed out on La Liga in the last two seasons to bitter rivals Real Madrid and Messi confessed he was feeling the pressure. The forward explained: “At moments the demands are higher but the feeling and the commitment are always the same with Barcelona and the national team.”

The Argentinean is also being tipped to win this year’s European football of the year award along with current holder Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Whilst Messi admitted he would be delighted to accept the title, he insisted he put his team performances ahead of individual glory.

“I always said that it’s not something you ask for, it’s something they give you. I’m just focused on giving the best of myself for my team, not in awards,” said  Messi before concluding, “Nevertheless I’d be very honoured to have it and I’d celebrate it with the squad.”

Gill Clark