ARGENTINA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for holidays, says only a World Cup victory could improve successful year

Record ID: 445785

  • Title: ARGENTINA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for holidays, says only a World Cup victory could improve successful year
  • Date: 25th December 2009
  • Summary: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR OF AIRPORT
  • Embargoed: 9th January 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Argentina
  • Country: Argentina
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAD0FQSEFJL4PSXC1MMHZBQ92W4
  • Story Text: After winning the FIFA World Player of the Year, European Footballer of the Year and four major titles, Argentina forward Lionel Messi said on Wednesday (December 23) the only a World Cup victory could top this year's success.
    The 22-year-old forward led Barcelona to victories in the Champions League, the Club World Cup, La Liga and the King's Cup and was crowned the world's top player.
    But back home in Argentina for the holidays, Messi had his eye on the World Cup.
    "I would love to keep growing and doing these things, to be able to continue with Argentina. (Journalist asking: Would things be better with a World Cup victory? Is that the only way to make this year better?) Without a doubt. Really, yes. After winning all this, the only that could be better is winning the World Cup," he said.
    Messi, who joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2000, was the leading scorer in the 2008-09 Champions League, hitting nine goals including one in the 2-0 final win over Manchester United.
    He also notched the extra-time winner in the 2-1 Club World Cup final victory over Estudiantes in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, but his performances for Argentina, under coach Diego Maradona, have been largely disappointing.
    Argentina struggled to qualify for the World Cup and their results this year included a 6-1 hammering in Bolivia and defeats by Paraguay and Ecuador.
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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