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ESPNsoccernet: Europe | |
Lionel Messi has bemoaned the lack of teams playing for the enjoyment of the game, with winning instead the prime ambition for many sides.
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Messi, 24, is widely regarded as the world''s best player and has been an integral part of the Barcelona team of recent seasons that has achieved great success with a unique brand of passing football.
However, this season was not so productive for the Catalan outfit, with defeat to Chelsea costing them success in the Champions League, whilst Real Madrid captured the La Liga title.
Both sides though attracted criticism for their defensive style of play, particularly when facing Barcelona's possession based game.
Messi told the Times magazine: "Football is a game. I'm trying to have fun on the pitch, always, just to play. That's why I do it. The day I stop having fun is the day I retire...I never want to lose that spark, that passion.
"Today, teams are playing more statically, more for the final score than producing good football. For them, it's more important to win than to play well. We need more players with passion coming up for the good of football."
Messi is enjoying a well earned break this summer, after three seasons without a substantial rest due to the World Cup and Copa America. Barcelona will be hoping he comes back refreshed as they look to regain their titles.