Messi: "Rijkaard would leave me out and I used to get annoyed"

The striker from Rosario spoke on his social media accounts, to the press, and even gave a touching speech to his family after winning The Best Award. But the interview with FIFA, in which he revealed some interesting opinions, was still to be heard. 

After talking about Ansu Fati's breakthrough, he evoked that his debut happened in similar circumstances, with Frank Rijkaard being the coach that gave him his debut. 

"Ronaldinho and [Frank] Rijkaard too, who was the coach back then. In fact, I’d say the whole team. Everyone helped me in one way or another, especially the coach when he left me out and I used to get annoyed (smiles). Now that I’m older I’ve come to understand that was the best thing for me and I’ll always be grateful to him for that. I’ve told him that too. The way he handled me was really important." he said. 

Speaking of coaches, he also had a message for Maradona now that he has regained a role as coach with Gimnasia. "Obviously I’m delighted to see him back, to see him coaching again. I was there when he was in charge of the national team and he really enjoyed it, lived it to the maximum. He has to do the same now with Gimnasia. I’m delighted he’s back in Argentinian football, which is where he has to be if you ask me."

At a time when there's a lot of talk about the release clause in his contract, he was once again asked about whether he would like to play in the other side of the pond again. "Yes. That’s what I’ve always said, haven’t I? It’s a childhood dream of mine to play in the Newell’s shirt, though I don’t know if I can make it happen. It’s not just down to me, though. I’ve got three children."

Finally, he was asked about his goals with Barcelona this season. "All of them. It’s been four years since we’ve won the Champions League and we really want to win it again. We know, though, that if we don’t do the job day in day out, then we won’t make it. And as for the Copa America, I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to go for it yet again. I’m really excited about this year’s Copa."