The Argentine is famed for being particularly grounded in the face of his staggering success which includes a stunning seven Ballon d’Or trophies for his efforts
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Lionel Messi wins record seventh Ballon d’Or: Darren Wells reports
Lionel Messi has admitted he has never liked being viewed as a role model throughout his illustrious playing career and has conceded his success is down to God.
To many, Messi is the most famous footballer on the planet after a stunning career that has seen him win four Champions League titles alongside a whopping 10 La Liga crowns.
Throw in a hatful of domestic honours as well as a ludicrous amount of individual accolades and you have arguably the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of boots and take to the pitch.
Messi’s brilliance has obviously propelled him to stratospheric fame, with an entire generation of young footballers looking up to the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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That level of superstardom could understandably lead to an arrogant attitude, but the 34-year-old has insisted remaining humble is of great importance to him.
Speaking to France Football after being crowned the world’s best for a record-seventh time, Messi was asked why he did not take up Neymar’s offer on donning the number 10 shirt after making the switch to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine responded: “I come from a working class family, my father worked all day and we lived in a rather modest neighbourhood.
“But we never lacked for anything, thank God. My parents instilled in me respect, especially for others, as well as hard work and humility.
“I grew up with these values. When I arrived in Barcelona at the age of 13, I found the same values at La Masia.”
Despite being at the absolute pinnacle of European football for the best part of a decade-and-a-half, Messi has insisted he has often struggled with being viewed as a role model for his army of adoring fans.
“I don’t know if I am a role model for others. I never really liked being a role model or giving advice. I fought for my own dreams,” the PSG star explained.
“At the beginning it was to be a professional player, then I fought to improve myself and reach new objectives every year.
“In those moments there is a bit of luck. I believe that God chose everything that has been given to me.”
Messi’s move to the French capital has not exactly gone as many had expected – while he has found the net on a number of occasions in the Champions League, his Ligue 1 form has left plenty to be desired.
Just one goal in nine league outings has sparked a muttered speculation in some quarters over whether Messi’s powers are beginning to wane, but with plenty of the season remaining – the Argentine will surely be back among the goals in no time.
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