Share

Messi loyal to Barca

Doha - Argentine football star Lionel Messi said Monday he could not play for any team other than Barcelona, where he has been since the age of 13.

"I cannot play with any team other than Barcelona," he told reporters in Qatar, where he took part in a charity event.

But he added in answering a question about a possible transfer that he "did not know what the future hides."

Messi joined Barcelona when he was still just 13 and climbed through the Catalans' ranks, making his first team debut at just 17.

He has gone on to win the Champions League three times with the Spanish giants as well as La Liga six times, and two Spanish Cups.

On top of that he has been named world player of the year four times in a row.

Despite all his personal accolades, Messi refused to accept he is indispensible to Barca, insisting, according to a translation into Arabic: "I am part of a group, and we all work to help each other."

Whilst in Doha, Messi launched a joint programme between his charity organisation and Qatari telecommunication company Ooredoo, aimed at helping children in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE