Lionel Messi did not take the chance to silence the noise about his Barcelona contract situation as he accepted the European Golden Shoe award on Friday.
Barcelona announced that Messi had agreed to a new deal until 2021 in July but the forward has not yet signed the contract himself.
Reports that his future was not discussed. Messi was presented with the Golden Shoe by Suarez, last year’s winner, as he spoke about his changing role on the pitch now he’s into his 30s and this weekend’s top-of-the-table clash against Valencia.
“I always say individual prizes come from collective efforts,” said Messi, whose 37 La Liga goals last season earned him the prize for the fourth time ahead of Sporting Lisbon’s Bas Dost [34] and Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang [31].
“It’s a prize for everyone. Without [my teammates], I wouldn’t be able to win this, it’s down to the group.”
“I have always said I don’t consider myself a striker but I have had the luck to score the goals which give me these awards,” he said.
“I notice my evolution. I have grown, both on and off the pitch, adding things to my game. I enjoy being a player more and more all the time.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate