Quotes from Lionel Messi

For my part, I try to do my bit to make people's lives more bearable, in particular children across the globe who are having problems.

On a personal note, I think it won't be until after I've retired that I'm fully aware of what I've done or what I've gone on to achieve in my career.

I am the happiest man alive and I am happy for myself, for my family and for my country.

From the age of three, I played every day-morning, afternoon and night.

In football as in watchmaking, talent and elegance mean nothing without rigour and precision.

Nah, I've always had a great relationship with my two brothers, I have always had their support in my football and in everything. They've been very close to me and we have a great relationship.

My first memories are from when I was very little, maybe three or four years old playing in my neighbourhood at home. I can picture myself with the ball at my feet from a very young age.

Barcelona is my home and I hope that I stay here for many years.

The day you think there is no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player.

I am competitive and I feel bad when we lose. You can see it in me when we've lost. I'm in a bad way. I don't like to talk to anyone.

I've always really just liked football, and I've always devoted a lot of time to it. When I was a kid, my friends would call me to go out with them, but I would stay home because I had practice the next day. I like going out, but you have to know when you can and when you can't.

It seems like people want to blame me for everything. Whenever any issue arises, I'm said to have been involved even if I've had nothing to do with it. That's why I always focus on what I know, which is playing football, and try to be very careful with what I say because people always try and twist things.

What I do is play soccer, which is what I like.

You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.

I don't need the best hairstyle or the best body. Just give me a ball at my feet and I'll show you what I can do.

At Barca we trained every day with the ball. I hardly even took a step running without a ball at my feet.

Whether it's a friendly match, or for points, or a final, or any game - I play the same. I'm always trying to be my best, first for my team, for myself, for the fans, and to try and win.

It takes sacrifice as well as talent.

I never think about the play or visualize anything. I do what comes to me at that moment. Instinct. It has always been that way.

Something deep in my character allows me to take the hits and get on with trying to win.

I have fun like a child in the street. When the day comes when I'm not enjoying it, I will leave football.

One of the Arsenal players came up to me afterwards and said it had been an honor to be on the same pitch as me. I thought, My God, that is a great thing to say when your team has just lost.

Being named among the best is special and beautiful. But if there are no titles, nothing is won.

The Barcelona youth program is one of the best in the world. As a kid, they teach you not to play to win, but to grow in ability as a player.