Messi (102 page)

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Authors: Guillem Balague

BOOK: Messi
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On that day, Leo Messi asked Neymar to join Barcelona.

Lionel with his mother Celia (right) and Monica Fein, mayor of Messi’s home town Rosario, after being made Honorary Citizen on 30 December 2011. He is finally recognised at home.

Third Ballon d’Or. He wanted more.

He cries in silence. Even after having won everything, there are defeats that hurt too much.

And when he does cry, as he still does, he just wants to be in his own world. It is hard to deal with him then.

On the pitch at the last game with Pep Guardiola at the Camp Nou. Messi scored four goals and said goodbye to him on the pitch. ‘Thank you for everything, Leo,’ Pep told him.

Tito Vilanova was the first coach at the Barcelona academy to make him play in his current position. They met again in the first team and Leo backed him when he became first team coach. Seeing Vilanova getting ill was very hard for him.

He tries to live with what fame brings. But these are the moments he likes the least.

Commercially, it has taken a while for him to take off, partly because he wanted to be a player first, never a label.

Leo doesn’t play to please you, me or anybody. But he certainly appreciates the support.

Leo and a ball. A special relationship.

With Jose Manuel Pinto, a close friend who knows how to look after him.

Leo and Dad. Leo and his manager.

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