Tuesday 29 November 2016 06:26, UK
Lionel Messi insists organisation is far more important than individual talent, and that 'best team in the world' Barcelona's achievements are down to the team, not himself.
Though Barcelona are stuttering in La Liga, sitting six points behind leaders Real Madrid following their 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad on Sunday, Messi's side have won the last two Spanish titles.
Messi himself has won five Ballon d'Or titles at Barcelona, but in an interview with Sky Sports' Spanish expert Guillem Balague, the Argentine insists that everything starts with organisation.
"I think it is organisation. Nowadays more than ever, having a team which is organised, compact and knows how to react to every circumstance is the most important thing," he said.
"Achievements are made when you have a good team which works hard and I think everything starts with the organisation."
Asked if 'Messidependencia', the thought that Barcelona rely solely on the 29-year-old, was flattering or worrying, Messi said: "Not one thing or the other because I know it isn't the case.
"I've been asked several times before and every time I answer the same. I play for Barcelona, the best team in the world, and it doesn't rely on any one player.
There are far more important things in life than winning or playing a football match or winning a trophy
"We have a great squad with some very talented players so we don't rely on an individual so, like I said, I don't even think about it."
Despite huge success at club level with Barca, winning eight league titles, four Champions League crowns and four Copa del Reys, Messi has tasted disappointment at a national level with Argentina.
They were runners-up in the World Cup in 2014, as well as the Copa America in 2007, 2015 and this year's competition in the USA, but Messi says he has learned to deal with defeat, and that he doesn't let results impact his life
"As you grow up and the years pass you experience many complicated moments in the sport and you come to realise that it's not all about winning or losing," he said.
"There are far more important things in life than winning or playing a football match or winning a trophy.
"Obviously I love winning and I always try to achieve all the targets we set ourselves at the start of the year but if you don't meet those targets I think the important thing is that you tried.
"You shouldn't let a result affect the way you enjoy life."
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