Lionel Messi has offered his thoughts on both the national teams of Argentina and Spain after taking home the European Golden Ball last week. He also discussed the forthcoming Club World Cup, where the final is anticipated to feature his team, Barcelona of Spain vs Estudiantes de La Plata of Argentina.
“We have to start winning games before we start thinking about winning championships if we are going to go as far as we can,” Messi spoke with FIFA.com.
The Barcelona star thinks that although things have improved with the Argentine national team since they qualified for the World Cup, there is still plenty to be done.
“A substantial shift in the squad’s style of play will soon be evident, even though the national team has just recently entered a new phase.”
Along with acknowledging Pep Guardiola’s leadership from the sidelines, Messi also praised his Barcelona teammates for helping him win the treble. Barcelona won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
The midfielder, who was born in Rosario, is also a big fan of Vicente del Bosque’s Spanish national side, which includes several Barcelona teammates.
The finest team in the world right now, according to Messi, “have a style comparable to what we have in Barcelona.”
The FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, was mentioned by Messi as well. He said, “It is the last prize that we (Barcelona) are missing at the club level, and it is the last competition of this historic 2009.”
In addition, he added, “is an Argentine, I know about Estudiantes. The coach still needs to work on studying our opponents in the competition. They are a football-loving squad with excellent players, including La Bruja (Juan Sebastian Veron), who sets the pace.
The Club World Cup begins on December 15 with Barcelona facing either TP Mazembe or Pohang Steelers.
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