Barcelona’s Lionel Messi: Winning Champions League final against Manchester United is more important than my goal tally

Leo Messi – Barcelona (Getty Images)

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Barcelona striker Lionel Messi is adamant that winning the coveted Champions League on Saturday against Manchester United matters more than scoring goals on British land.

The dazzling forward has netted a staggering 52 goals in all competition this season 11 of which were scored in the Champions League and he could share Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of 12 goals scored in a single campaign in Europe.

However, he insists that he puts Barcelona’s interests in pole position when it comes to glory.

“Goals are only important if they win you games,” he told the Mirror.

“If I don’t score and Barcelona win the Champions League it’s unimportant whether I find the net or not.

“My interest is in the collective success of the team, not individual glory. I’ve not given any great deal of thought about not scoring in England.

“And I’m not driven by the desire to score more goals in a Champions League campaign than any other player.

“If it’s meant to happen, it will happen.”

The showdown at Wembley will re-enact the Champions League final in Rome where Barcelona crushed United’s hopes of bringing back the Cup to Old Trafford following a 2-0.

Messi is confident that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will pose a constant threat and has warned his teammates to take nothing for granted as United will be spurred on by the Wembley crowd.

“We’re not complacent, they present a very serious threat,” he said.

“You don’t meet with the consistent success they have by chance. I have the greatest respect for them.

“They have a unique and exceptional coach in Ferguson. To stay at one club so long and secure so many trophies is remarkable.

“They have players in their side who are a big threat and thrive under pressure.

“I also feel they will have the added advantage of playing in England.

“It’s not Old Trafford but Wembley will be as near to a home game as you can get.”

The 23-year-old also believes that the Catalans’ opponents will play in much the same manner as Arsenal who were easily dispatched by Messi & Co in the last 16.

“They are similar to Arsenal and like to play offensive football,” he said.

“They are unlikely to try and stifle our play so it should be a very entertaining game between two great sides.

“It’s a fitting final between two champions of their respective leagues. We have a collective winning mentality and therefore losing isn’t even a consideration.

“Outside of the World Cup it is perceived to be the biggest competition in the world. Winning the league is important, but this competition makes you great.

“You come up against the best teams and players in Europe and therefore winning the
Champions League brings you justifiable accolades.

“I would never tire of winning it. I love the excitement, the anticipation and the pressure to
perform on the biggest stage.”