Ballon d’Or 2012: I’ll reflect on my career after I’ve retired, says Messi
Ballon d'Or 2012: Lionel Messi insists that he has "no time" to reflect on his achievements in his career to date
Lionel Messi insists that he currently has “no time” to reflect on his achievements in his career to date after landing a record fourth Ballon d’Or award on Monday night.
The 25-year-old Barcelona star beat off competition from Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta to win world football’s most prestigious individual honour for the fourth year running with 41.6 per cent of the vote.
Messi, who scored a record-breaking 91 goals for club and country in 2012, is widely regarded to be the best player in the world and is now staking his claim as one of the greatest of all time.
But the Argentina international does not intend to look back at his achievements until he has hung up his boots for good.
“Obviously I am very happy to win [the Ballon d’Or] again, it is the fourth one so it is a [great] joy for me, I will find a little space for the trophy at home,” said Messi.
“There is no time to stop and think about these prizes, nor to enjoy them. [Instead, I] think about the games coming up – everything comes very quickly.
“I do not compare myself or think about being the best in the world, I just try to enjoy it but there is not much time to stop and think about the things you achieve because we play every three days.
“As I always say, at the end of my career I will look back at what I have done, people will have their opinions and I will realise what my career was.”
