Messi highlights greater importance of collective awards. Barcelona forward Lionel Messi this Thursday said that collective awards are more important than individual awards in his aspirations as a player. In an interview with Marca newspaper after receiving his sixth Golden Shoe award, Messi stated: ‘I always say that individual awards are not my goals, such as Best Player, the Ballon d’Or or the Golden Shoe, let alone the Puskas Award. If it happens, fine; and if not, no problem.’ Meanwhile, Netherlands midfielder Frankie de Jong currently stands out as one of the top players to ensure Barcelona holds onto the League title and wins the UEFA Champions League. In this regard, Messi noted, ‘It has been easy for him to adapt to the team because he came from a similar philosophy at Ajax. He grew up with the same idea and the same way of playing.’
