Lionel Messi: “I’ve always had the dream of playing in another league.” | OneFootball

Lionel Messi sat down with Jordi Évole for an exclusive interview with La Sexta, discussing several topics, including his future in the game, Diego Maradona, Pep Guardiola and much more.

On his future

I want to wait until the season is over. I’m just thinking about ending the season well, winning trophies, not getting involved in anything else. The elections have to happen, and then we will see. Hopefully, we can end the year well, win a trophy or two, and then in June we will see. I always said that I would like to experience life in the United States and play in the league there. Maybe it will happen, it doesn’t have to be right away. Today I am just focused on these next six months. When I finish as a player I want to come back and live in Barcelona, to have some role at the club.

On Pep Guardiola

He makes you see things in a different way. He has something special, how he prepares for games, on how to defend, and on how to attack. I was unlucky enough to have Guardiola and Luis Enrique, the two best managers, so close one after the other. Their mentality helped me grow and improve mentally, tactically and physically. I thought after Pep I knew everything, but then Luis Enrique came and thought me even more new things.

On finding out about Diego Maradona dying

I was at home and my father told me about it. I couldn’t believe it and felt a wave of sadness. Diego meant so much for Argentina.

On being a Barcelona club member

I am a club member but not sure if I’ll vote in the forthcoming presidential elections. Whoever comes in will find the club in a tricky state and will have to work hard to put the club back where it was. As of yet none of the candidates have called me.

On Luis Suárez & Antoine Griezmann

I speak to Luis Suárez almost every day, and Neymar too. I do get on well with Antoine Griezmann, I don’t have a problem with him. We sometimes drink mate together.

On a difficult few months

I haven’t cried for sporting matters no, but yes for a personal issue that I’d rather keep private. I have suffered a lot for sporting reasons.

On Neymar re-signing for Barcelona

The club doesn’t have the money to make signings. Neymar would cost a lot. How would you pay his transfer fee?

On Ronald Koeman

With Koeman things became more serious, there was an idea for the team and the club. He was a very good appointment. It was difficult with new players and youngsters, but the team is improving.

On the burofax

Yes I would send one again. I wanted to leave the club and it was a way of making it official. I had been saying for six months to the president that I wanted to go. That was my way to say it seriously, for everyone to know.