BARCELONA – Lionel Messi collected a record fifth Golden Shoe award onTuesday for finishing last season as the top goalscorer in Europe.
The striker scored 34 goals in 68 games for Barcelona, putting him ahead ofLiverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award four times, hit 26 goals in 52matches for Real Madrid.
After being prsented with his latest prize in Barcelona, Messi said: “Thetruth is I had no idea this would happen when I started. I dreamt ofplaying professional football and enjoying success, I love the game, but Inever imagined I would have so much.
“I enjoy the work, the effort, I’m at the best team in the world and playwith the best team-mates in the world, so everything is easier.”
The ceremony was attended by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, aswell as fellow players like Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto.
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Messi also discussed Monday’s Champions League draw, which pitted Barcaagainst Lyon in the round of 16.
“Lyon will be a complicated opponent,” Messi said. “Even if they are notknown as one of the strongest teams, they are dangerous as they showedagainst Manchester City, one of the best teams in the world.
“It will be difficult to go through, but the opportunity is there for us.We have several Frenchmen in the team like Samuel Umtiti and Malcom, whoplayed in France, so perhaps they can help as well.” – APP/AFP
