Messi: I don't like being a role model and never tried to be the best

The 34-year-old attacker Messi feels he has been lucky to reach great heights in his career and does not like giving advice to those who look up to him.

Lionel Messi says he does not feel comfortable being a role model. And he has never dreamed of being the best player in football history.

 The Paris Saint-Germain star received the Ballon d'Or this week for the seventh time. And extending his record as the man with the most wins in the history of the award.

Read also: Ballon d'Or 2021: Lionel Messi wins the award for 7th time

The Argentina international has set an example for young players to look up to throughout his career. But Messi admits he does not see himself as a role model.

What has been said?

"I don't know if I'm a role model," he said to France Football. "I don't like being a role model or giving advice.

"I fought for my dreams. At first, it was to be a professional player, then I tried to surpass myself and achieve new goals every year.

"In the midst of it all, there is also an element of luck. It also depends on God, and I believe he chose to have all of this happen to me."

Is Messi the best player of all time?

The 34-year-old's latest success has rejuvenated the debate about his place in the history of the game.

The former Barcelona star has dealt with comparisons to compatriot Diego Maradona since early on in his playing days, while he has battled Cristiano Ronaldo for the reputation as the best player in the present day.

But Messi says he does not know if he is the greatest in history, saying: "I never said, though, or even tried to come to terms with this idea.