Messi doesn't need World Cup glory to be the best ever, says Gabriel Milito.

The former Argentina centre-back has hailed his compatriot's fine performances and feels he is arguably the best player ever.

Former Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito believes that Lionel Messi is the best player in the history of the game even if he never wins the World Cup with Argentina.

The 26-year-old, who recently stated that he dreams of winning Brazil 2014, has often been criticised for his relatively underwhelming performances with the national side, but Milito feels his compatriot doesn't need international success in order to be seen as the best ever.

"It doesn't seem right to me to claim that you have to win the World Cup in order to be regarded as the best ever," Milito told RAC1.

"He just keeps on improving and outdoing himself year after year and that's why he is the best ever for me.

"I simply cannot imagine that there will ever be a player who can do what Leo has been doing on the pitch."

Messi has been in fine form in the opening weeks of the 2013-14 campaign, netting nine goals in six appearances for Barcelona.(Goal.com)

The week's top player is Messi.

A facebook page has published the photo and posted a article-

They said, "Messi couldn't score a goal against Chelsea", But they never said "Real Madrid, Man Utd is better than Chelsea and Messi scored most goals against RM, beat ManU in 2 UCL finals by his goal."

Video: Barcelona 4-0 Ajax.All Goals I UEFA Champions LeagueHD.

Messi 3-3 Ronaldo: The battle of the Champions begins again.

The Argentine and the Portuguese are the world's two finest footballers and have already ignited Europe's premier club competition this week. But who will come out on top?

Good things, it is often said, come in threes. And as the Champions League commenced again this week, the tournament's two finest footballers both hit trebles to kick off their own personal duel in the latest edition of Europe's elite club competition: Ronaldo and Messi are already off and running.

First it was Cristiano: the Portuguese marked a week in which he celebrated signing a new contract with Real Madrid by hitting a hat-trick in his side's superb 6-1 win at Galatasaray on Tuesday night, as the capital club began their quest for La Decima in impressive fashion. But Leo was not to be outdone and the Argentine struck a triple of his own as Barcelona beat Ajax 4-0 in an ultimately comfortable clash at Camp Nou a day later. Following a summer break, the Champions League is now well and truly back in the spotlight, ignited instantly by its two brightest stars.

HAT-TRICK HEROES: CR & LEO

Cristiano converted with two opportunistic efforts for Madrid in Istanbul, before completing his hat-trick with a superb solo strike which saw him beat several defenders and angle a powerful drive into the corner against an admittedly weak Galatasaray back line.

Messi, meanwhile, led a somehwat subdued Barca side to a routine win at home to Ajax on Wednesday as the Catalans went through the gears before comfortably killing off Dutch hopes of an upset in the second period. The Argentine opened the scoring with a fine free kick in what had been an evenly matched first period, slotted in a second after latching on to a Sergio Busquets ball and made it three for him personally (after Gerard Pique had headed Barca's third goal) with a low drive into the corner late in the game.

Between the two of them, Messi and Ronaldo have finished the last three seasons as top scorers in the Champions League: Leo struck 12 goals in 2010-11 and added 14 more (a new competition record) the following season, while Cristiano converted 12 times in 2012-13.

Now, with three goals apiece from just one game, the two rivals look set to dominate the scoring charts in Europe's premier club competition once again. Messi 3-3 Ronaldo: the battle of the Champions begins again in earnest.(Goal.com)

Lionel Messi gets another hat-trick in Barcelona destruction of Ajax.

Lionel Messi gave yet another sparkling Champions League recital when he netted a hat-trick for Barcelona in a crushing win at home against AjaxAmsterdam in their Group H opener.

The Argentinian World Player of the Year lit up Camp Nou with a brilliant curling free-kick in the 22nd minute, a trademark dash in from the right and clinical finish 10 minutes into the second half and a low shot into the corner from the edge of the area 15 minutes from time.

He is the first player to score four trebles in Europe's elite club competition and took his overall goals tally to 62 in 80 appearances, nine short of the record of Raúl of Real Madrid.

"It was important to start with a win, especially playing at home," Messi said.

"We know how difficult these Champions League groups always are," he added. "In the second half we had the ball and controlled the match. We found it tough to pressure them initially because they were moving the ball well out from the back. But I think in general it was a great performance."

The defender Gerard Piqué netted Barca's third with a header from Neymar's centre in the 69th minute and their goalkeeper, Victor Valdés, continued his fine run of form by saving Kolbeinn Sigthorsson's 77th-minute penalty.

Barcelona generally struggled to reproduce the scintillating play that has brought them two European crowns in the past five seasons. However, with Messi on fire and Barça hosting an Ajax side lacking in real quality, the outcome of the match was never in doubt.

Surprisingly Wednesday's match was the first official meeting between the two continental heavyweights, who have each won four European titles.

A Johan Cruyff-inspired Ajax claimed three straight triumphs between 1971 and 1973 and another in 1995 in a side including the current coach, Frank de Boer, who later had a four-year stint at Camp Nou.

Barça won their first European crown under coach Cruyff in 1992 and three more in 2006, 2009 and 2011.(Source:The Guardiun)

Lionel Messi hits hat-trick as Barcelona trounce Ajax.

Messi took his tally to 62 Champions League goals and became the first player to score more than four hat-tricks in the competition. It was his 24th hat-trick for Barça.

A day after Cristiano Ronaldo hit three in Real Madrid’s 6-1 thumping of Galatasaray, Messi reminded everyone who is still the four-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner.

Despite boasting eight European Cup and Champions League crowns between them, Barcelona and Ajax had never met before their Group H encounter at the Nou Camp.

And typically it was a dazzling display from Messi that got the 2009 and 2011 winners off to the ideal start. Afterwards he dedicated the victory to Barça coach Gerard Martino, who will fly home to Argentina to attend his father’s funeral.

“It was a special game. It is a shame what has happened and he is suffering, but we are all with him in this moment,” he said.

Ronaldo, Messi, no Bale: Champions League Team of the Season 2013-14

Goal.com brings you the XI players who are set to shine most brightly in this edition of Europe's premier club competition
The beginning of another star-studded edition of the Champions League is just around the corner, with the world's finest footballers jousting to win Europe's most coveted club competition. Bearing in mind the ability of their respective teams to go deep in the tournament, Goal brings you the XI players who will set the measure of excellence on the road to Lisbon.Thibaut Courtois - Atletico Madrid

Drawn in a generous group, there can be few doubts that Atletico Madrid have what it takes to progress through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. While David Villa will be key for them offensively, it is their young Belgian goalkeeper who is set to catch the eye once more. The 21-year-old has never previously played at this level but is a custodian of undoubted class and is ready to make his big-time breakthrough as Diego Simeone's men show there is more than just one great team in the Spanish capital.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Juventus

The Swiss right-back has long been one of the most underrated defenders in the European game but should come into his own this season in a Juventus side capable of going deep in the competition. A reliable presence defensively, he is also capable of operating in several other roles. His multi-talented attributes and consistent level of performance should see him recognised as one of the best players in his position this term.

BARCELONA COACH MARTINO DELIGHTED WITH MESSI, NEYMAR COMBINATION FOR WINNER.

Barcelona coach Tata Martino was delighted with Neymar and Lionel Messi in victory over Sevilla.

The pair combined superbly to set up Alexis Sanchez's injury-time winner.

“Neymar played an impeccable match because not only did he go forward but he also defended,” said Martino.

On Messi, he added: “Messi started to get involved in favourable plays in the second half and he was very dangerous.”

Leo Messi has the hoodoo over Unai Emery(Coach-Sevilla at present).

The Argentinean has scored 16 goals in 16 games against Emery's sides. 

Valencia have suffered most at Messi's hands - nine goals - whislt against Spartak Moscow he's scored four. 

Emery has in fact never beaten Barça with Messi on the pitch losing ten and drawing five games.

Unai Emery will again be at the Camp Nou this Saturday, when he brings his Seville side to face Barça in week 4 of La Liga. The Basque manager will be sending his team out against one of his biggest bogeyman – Leo Messi, who’s scored 15 times in his 15 games against Emery, of which Barça have won 10 and drawn 5, with not a single win for a team managed by the ex-Almeria, Valencia and Spartak Moscow coach.

Goal a game

Leo Messi  began his scoring feats against Emery in the first game the then Almeria boss sent a side out against Barça – in the 2007/08 season and the Argentinean got on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win at the Camp Nou.

Goals flow against Valencia

The following summer, Emery moved to Valencia and that was when Messi really began to give him nightmares. In the game in Mestalla, Messi got the opener in the 2-2 draw and the following season he scored a hat trick in the 3-0 win at the Camp Nou..

Messi was again on target at Mestalla in the 2010/11 campaign when he scored the winner, whilst a year later he scored four in the 5-1 hiding Barça handed out at the Camp Nou. Curiously enough, his goals came in the middle of the two legs of the Cup semi-final when Puyol scored in the first game at Mestalla and  Xavi and Cesc got the goals that sent Barça through to the final.

Even more effective in Europe

Unai Emery then moved to Russia for the 2012/13 season, no doubt thinking he’d left Messi behind, but his Spartak Moscow team were drawn in the same group as Barça in the Champions League and the Argentinean scored twice in the 3-2 win at the Camp Nou – when Barça came from behind to win – and then got two more in the 0-3 win in Moscow, to make it four goals in two games against Emery in Europe for the World Number One.

Emery’s luck ran out in Moscow and he was soon on his way back to Spain, taking over from Michel at the Sanchez Pijuan in time to bring Seville to the Camp Nou for a 2-1 defeat againstTito Vilanova’s men, with Messi, who else? getting the winner.

Saturday will see Messi again up against an Emery team, with the Argentinean aiming to keep his goal a game record against the Seville boss. 

Barcelona 3-2 Sevilla Full Highlights.

Barcelona 3-2 Sevilla: Last-ditch Sanchez strike seals dramatic win.Messi assisted as a brilliant for the winning goal.

Goal.Com Rating(Top & Flop) of Last Match of Barcelona and Sevilla.

Top of the Match

Lionel Messi
Barcelona

Lionel Messi
Barcelona

Flop of the Match

Kevin Gameiro
Sevilla

Piqué
Barcelona

 Goal.com Rating  Fans' Rating

Messi's Goal and Assist at Last Minute make a narrow win over Sevilla.

The substitute Alexis Sánchez scored a dramatic winner deep into time added on to maintain Barcelona's 100% record after four games of theLa Liga season.

Barça seemed to be heading for a routine victory when Dani Alves put the Catalan side ahead with a rare header in the 36th minute and Lionel Messi clipped a Neymar centre high into the net with 15 minutes left. It was the Argentinian's sixth goal in three league matches this season.

However, Sevilla worked their way back into the match when Ivan Rakitic smashed the ball past the Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the 80th minute.

As the clock ticked over into time added on, the Sevilla defender Coke volleyed home to level.

There was still time for Messi to show why he has been world player of the year three times.

The Barcelona star dribbled past a string of defenders before pulling the ball back for the Chilean to poke the ball into the net and spark wild scenes of celebration at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona:

Dani Alves 36, 

Lionel Messi 75,

Sanchez Alexis 90 +3:05

Sevilla:

• Ivan Rakitic 80, 
• Andujar Coke 90

Leo Messi casts first vote for the FIFA FIFPro World XI.

Leo Messi kicked off the voting for the FIFA FIFPro World XI this Thursday afternoon. The FIFA FIFPro World XI is an all-star team made up of the best players in 2013, the members of the team are selected by professional footballers from around the world. The Argentine cast the first vote for this year’s team seeing that he was named the world's best footballer in 2012. 

“It’s a joy to be here, to once again be the first to vote,” said Messi, who added: “it’s an honour because it’s a vote that involves my colleagues and it’s the only award that's given out based on the vote of footballers from around the world. They know how to appreciate the qualities of a player and that is what makes the FIFA FIFPro such a significant prize.”

This is the ninth year in which FIFPro has organised the vote for the selection of the all-star team – a process that involves sending out over 50,000 ballots to 68 countries. The eleven players to get the most votes (in a 4-3-3 formation) will be awarded on Monday, January 13, during the Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich, Switzerland.(Official Web of FCB)

Bayern would never sign Messi:Guardiola

The 42-year-old believes a bid would never be sanctioned by club president Uli Hoeness and is relishing the packed fixture list over the next month

Pep Guardiola has ruled out the possibility of reuniting with Lionel Messi at Bayern Munich.

The Spaniard took over as coach of the Bundesliga outfit at the start of the summer and has already brought former Barcelona starlet Thiago Alcantara to the Allianz Arena.

However, Guardiola insists the German champions would never sanction a mega-money bid for the Argentine, and believes the 26-year-old has no desire to quit the club.

"[Bayern president] Uli Hoeness surely would never offer to spend a fortune to sign Messi," he told reporters. 

"Bayern Munich does not work that way, and the player is happy at Barcelona."

The former Barca boss revealed he is relishing the congested fixture list over the next month as Bayern prepare to play seven games over the next 22 days.

"My nose tells me that we will have a good season, and in May we will be fighting for titles," the 42-year-old added.

"We are approaching a great period in the next few weeks, and we are ready for the challenges ahead."

Bayern host Hannover on Saturday, before kicking off their Champions League title defence at home to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

World Cup Qualification Highlights(Paraguay 2 : 5 Argentina)

Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero ensure Argentina qualify for World Cup.

Lionel Messi converted two penalties as Argentina booked their ticket to the 2014 World Cup finals with a crushing 5-2 away win over Paraguay on Tuesday.

Argentina lead the South American group on 29 points with two qualifiers remaining next month. The top four qualify automatically and the group leaders can now only be overtaken by Colombia and Chile.

"We knew how difficult it is to qualify and this is our reward for all the good work we've been doing," Messi told Fox Sports.

"It wasn't easy to play with the poor state of the pitch but the main thing was to go for our qualification," he added at the Defensores del Chaco stadium.

Captain Messi put his team ahead in the 12th minute at the same venue where Argentina had lost the equivalent qualifier under Diego Maradona four years ago.

Messi converted from the spot after Sergio Aguero was brought down by goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez.

But Paraguay, who began the match with only the slimmest hopes of reaching the fifth-place playoff berth, conjured up a fine equaliser when striker Jose Nunez deflected a left cross past Sergio Romero from a narrow angle six minutes later.

The visitors were soon back on the front foot, however, and Aguero gave Argentina a crucial 2-1 halftime lead in the 32nd minute.

Messi chested down a ball with his back to goal into Aguero's path and the striker nudged it forwards before hitting a low left-footed shot inside the base of the far post.

Winger Angel Di Maria increased Argentina's lead five minutes into the second half, running onto a through ball from playmaker Fernando Gago and shooting home across Fernandez.

Messi's second penalty after he was brought down took his tally as joint top scorer in the qualifiers to 10, equal to Uruguay's Luis Suarez and one ahead of suspended team mate Gonzalo Higuain.

It also took Messi's international tally to 37 in 83 matches, past Hernan Crespo and into second place behind Gabriel Batisuta's 56 in 78.

Paraguay captain Roque Santa Cruz pulled one back in the 85th minute before substitute Maxi Rodriguez, looking to go to a third World Cup tournament with Argentina, rounded off the scoring in the final minute from Di Maria's pass.

The TV Commercial(Fifa14) got 2,208,527 views in three days!

Messi on the amazing Flip-book.

An Amazing flipbook is made on Amazing Messi. Here is the video link given Below.

Video Link

Lionel Messi is the second place in Facebook fans ranking, but first in the lowest duration to get such number of fans.

Messi is the most junior(according to joining date) athlete among the top ten favorite athletes in Facebook.

Athlete	Sport	Fans in FB	In FB Joined on
C. Ronaldo	Football	60,274,869	6th May, 2009
Lionel Messi	Football	48,033,519	10th Dec,2010
David Beckham	Football	29,150,690	6th May, 2009
Michael Jordan	Basketball	23,817,809	3rd April, 2009
Kaka	Football	23,477,568	16th May, 2009
Kobe Bryant	Basketball	16,693,216	3rd April, 2009
LeBron James	Basketball	14,802,829	3rd April, 2009
Andres Iniesta	Football	14,357,223	25th Sept, 2008
Neymar	Football	13,388,531	7th March, 2009
Roger Federer	Tennis	13,289,792	9th April, 2009

Sandro Rosell Reveals 2% Of Barcelona "Do Not Want Messi"!!!!!!!!

Barcelona club president Sandro Rosell has made the astonishing revelation that in a poll conducted amongst fans TWO PERCENT said they did not want Lionel Messi in their team.

Rosell said: ‘In the club we do internal polling and there is two percent who do not like Messi. I would like to know these two percent.’
Rosell also revealed that Messi is developing a strong relationship with new signing Neymar.

The Brazilian joined Barcelona for £48.6million this summer and the pair are already striking up an understanding on the pitch. Rosell added: ‘Messi and Neymar are coming along very well. When I see them in the locker room they are getting on fantastically.

Zidane: Ribery and Ronaldo should share Ballon d'Or!!!!

The Real Madrid icon believes the France and Portugal stars deserve to win this year's prize more than current holder Lionel Messi.

Zinedine Zidane says he would like to see either Cristiano Ronaldo or fellow countryman Franck Ribery pick up the Ballon d’Or award this year.

Ribery was crowned Uefa Best Player last month after inspiring Bayern Munich to the treble last season, pipping fellow nominees Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the prize.

And Zidane believes the 30-year-old deserves global football's top individual honour for 2013 along with Real Madrid star Ronaldo, instead of current holder and four-time winner Messi.

"I hope it will be one of those two, both really deserve it,” stated the Madrid sporting director to TV programme Canal Football Club.

"If there were two Ballon d’Or, I would give them one each. As it is, there is only one, but I do not decide!"

Zidane went on to voice his support for striker Karim Benzema, following the criticism levelled at the 25-year-old as a result of his 20-plus-hour goal drought for France.

"We know he has not scored for a long time for France," Zidane continued.

"What I hope is to always see Benzema performing at a good level because he is a talented player who can give a lot to France and Real Madrid."

The World Cup-winner also talked about his relationship with coach Carlo Ancelotti and insisted that his new role on the backroom team at Santiago Bernabeu has not caused any rifts within the current coaching set-up.

“I talked with the coach and he already had his backroom team. It was made clear, his assistant will take care of preparations and training sessions and I would focus more on the team and tactics," explained the 41-year-old. 

"This is what interests me and I still have to learn about that.

"I had him [Ancelotti] for two years at Juventus. He has evolved professionally, but as a person, he is always the same, devoted and open-minded."(Goal.com)

Messi is in FIFA14 Ad.

EA Sports know how to get their products out there. If you're a football fan, you will almost certainly have heard about the upcoming launch of FIFA 14. It's been everywhere.

The new game is out on Sept. 27, and gamers out there are rather excited about it.

Here's a preview look at the star-studded TV ad they'll be promoting it with, featuring the likes of Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale and Stephan El Shaarawy.

Watch The Commercial Ad

Iturbe rubbishes Messi comparison.

The playmaker has laughed off suggestions he plays like the Argentina forward but revealed his admiration for another Albiceleste great

Hellas Verona star Juan Iturbe has dismissed comparisons with Lionel Messi after joining the club on a 12-month loan deal from Porto.

The 20-year-old's diminutive stature and running style are reminiscent of the Barcelona forward, though he has been quick to distance himself from any likeness with his compatriot.

"Messi is unattainable, you can not make comparisons," Iturbe told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But my idol is Maradona. He may have been from an older generation but he is a legend and will always be my God."

Iturbe also says he is keen to prove he can make the grade in Europe having struggled to make an impact at Porto since joining the club from Cerro Porteno in 2010. 

Neymar backs Messi for Ballon d'Or

The Brazilian is enjoying playing alongside his esteemed team-mate and admits he is more than capable of being crowned the best player in the world yet again

Neymar has backed Lionel Messi to retain his status as the game's finest player by lifting the Ballon d'Or for a fifth time.

The Brazil forward joined Barcelona for €54 million earlier this summer and has spoken on a number of occasions of his admiration for his new team-mate.

And the 21-year-old needed little persuading to again emphasise the quality of the Argentine, while dismissing suggestions he has had to perform in a more restrained role since his big-money move.

He said to reporters: "Playing with Lionel Messi? He is on a different level. I admire him and respect him. He’s been the best player in the world on four consecutive occasions and he's got it all to win it again.

“I am still the same as always, I am not more restrained. Barca give me much freedom in attack, just as I have had in my previous club and with the national team.

“Since Felipe Scolari has come in I come back to cover the full back and one of Barça's characteristics is how we press when we lose the ball."

Neymar scored his first goal for the Blaugrana in a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup last month and he declared he couldn't be happier at Camp Nou.

“My goal is to play in the best competitions in the world and now I am doing that with Barca. Little by little I know how my team-mates play and they also learn how I do.

“My life in Barcelona is relaxed, I love how everything is going. I really like the city, the club and the people that I work with.

“Everything is here to make it perfect.”

Ronaldo: Neymar will learn from Messi

The Brazil legend believes the 21-year-old is not yet at the same level as the Argentine or Cristiano Ronaldo, but backed him to make big strides in Europe

Brazilian legend Ronaldo believes Neymar will benefit from playing alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona.

The 21-year-old Brazil star joined the Blaugrana in the summer from Santos and has already found the back of the net for his new club, having scored in the first leg of Barca's Spanish Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid.

And Ronaldo feels Neymar will flourish at Camp Nou, but stated he is not yet at the same level as Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I think we are going to continue talking about Messi and Cristiano, because with Neymar we will have to wait," he told Europa Press.

 “He is a young player, but he will learn and will become one of the best too.

"Neymar will learn a lot with Barca, with Messi, with European football and it comes in handy for there to be lots of Brazilians playing in Europe.

“And, although it will be difficult at first, in the long run for Neymar it will be very good.”

Barca spent €54 million to secure the services of Neymar from Santos back in June.(Goal.Com)

Lionel Messi pays £4.2m 'corrective payment' for incomplete tax returns.

• Barcelona star and his father pay Spanish authorities
• Lionel Messi still due to attend a legal hearing

Barcelona's Lionel Messi and his father Jorge have paid €5m (£4.2m) to the Spanish authorities after they were accused in June of filing false tax returns. The pair had deposited the sum last month as a "corrective payment", the court in Gava, near Barcelona, said.

They were still due to appear at a hearing on 17 September, although their lawyer had asked for it to be postponed as he had another commitment that day, the statement added.

The Argentinian world player of the year and his father, who both denied wrongdoing, allegedly hid more than €4m by filing incomplete returns for the years 2006-09. The sale of Messi's image rights had been hidden using a complex web of shell companies in Uruguay, Belize, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the prosecutor's office for tax crimes in Catalonia said.

"I never take care of that stuff myself and neither does my father," the 26-year-old player said in July. "We have our lawyers and our wealth managers to take care of that and we trust them and they will sort this out. The truth is that I don't have a clue about all this and that is why we have people taking care of it."

Messi has been resident in Barcelona since 2000 and gained Spanish citizenship in 2005. He is one of the world's highest paid athletes and earns just over $20m (£12.8m) a season in wages and bonuses, according to Forbes magazine. He also pulls in some $21m in endorsements from sponsors including Adidas, PepsiCo, P&G and Turkish Airlines and is 10th on Forbes's latest list of top-earning athletes.(Source:The Guardian)

Madrid’s Biggest Enemy(Messi, as Madrid considers) Backs Madrid 2020 Olympic Campaign.Bravo Leo.

VIDEO

Barcelona’s Argentina forward Lionel Messi has thrown his support behind the Madrid 2020 bid for the right to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

With four days to go until International Olympic Committee (IOC) members meeting in Buenos Aires choose between the Spanish capital, Istanbul and Tokyo, Messi said it would be positive to award Madrid the Games given the nation’s recent success in a number of high-profile sports.

“I don’t know whether my support will help,” the World Player of the Year, wearing a shirt with the Madrid logo, said in a video published by Spanish bid officials.

“I think it is very important for a city to host the Games,” added the 26-year-old, who has lived in the Catalan capital for more than a decade.

“I was fortunate enough to participate in the Olympics and it is a fantastic experience for any athlete and I think it could be something very important for the city of Madrid.

“I think Madrid has a good chance for what it (the city) represents, Spain’s position in the world of sport, where it has triumphed in many different areas, and that can have an influence too.

“I think it would be good for sport to award Madrid the Games and I support their bid from here.”(Source)

Goal.Com Report(Lionel Messi supports Madrid)

The Barcelona forward has put club allegiances aside to support the Spanish capital's 2020 Olympic bid while on the international break

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has put aside the huge rivalry between his club and Real Madrid by coming out in support of the Spanish capital's 2020 Olympic bid.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner has spent plenty of time making Madrid residents miserable in the past, but he sportingly took the opportunity to assist the city's cause this time around.

Draped in the white flag of Madrid, Messi popped up to offer his support at a promotional event in Buenos Aires - where the final decision as to which city hosts the 2020 games will be made by the International Olympic Committee on September 7.

While with Argentina's squad during the international break, the 26-year-old told the bid's Facebook page: "I am with Madrid 2020."

There was controversy in Spain when Messi initially declined to put his name to the Madrid campaign with Alejandro Blanco, president of the Madrid's 2020 bid, claiming the player's representatives felt he should not take part.

Madrid face competition from Tokyo and Istanbul to host the 42nd Olympic Games, with the latter being officially endorsed by Turkish Airlines - a commercial partner of both Barcelona and Messi himself.

But Messi has avoided a political and sporting storm by gritting his teeth, smiling politely and siding with the Madridistas for potentially the first and last time.