BANGKOK: Lionel Messi (pictured) yesterday attributed his stunning achievements to hard work and sacrifice as his Barcelona side prepare for the first game of their Asian tour in Thailand.
The Spanish champions have returned to Asia three years after their last tour of the continent -- home to a huge fan base and prime marketing territory.
After facing Thailand’s national side today, Barca travel to Kuala Lumpur to play a Malaysia XI on August 10 before returning to Europe.
Quizzed on the secret of his success at a UNICEF event in Bangkok, the Argentine four-time World Player of the Year said dedication was the only route to the top.
“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it,” he said.
“Training is very important. Now we have no competition we are training a lot. When the season starts we have to play matches so we will train only one or two hours a day.”
The diminutive 26-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable career in a Barca team widely considered one of the finest sides of all time.
Meanwhile, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Franck Ribery will contest the title of Best Player in Europe when journalists across the continent cast their vote on August 29 in Monaco, the European governing body UEFA said yesterday.
The three emerged on the shortlist after a second preliminary vote whittled down an interim 10-strong list.
UEFA president Michel Platini began the initiative two years ago in partnership with the European Sports Media (ESM) group with Messi and his Barcelona team-mate Andres Iniesta winning the first two editions. AFP
