Lionel Messi's Answer About His Legacy Is Extremely Humble

Whatever happens between now and his retirement Lionel Messi will be considered one of the greatest players of all time when he hangs up his boots, however the Barcelona forward isn't too fussed how people see him.

It is the great debate that has no ending, who really is the greatest player of all time? We'll never know because we can't travel between eras and numbers only begin to tell the story.

The best any footballer can hope for is just being in the conversation, something that most won't even get close to, and Lionel Messi will certainly be in the conversation.

Of course the Barcelona man is probably already in the debate but we also have a propensity to favour those who have hung up their boots and played in an era we can reminisce about.

Messi has proved himself to be one of the all time greats on stats and records alone including his equal record, with Cristiano Ronaldo, of winning five Ballon d'Ors.

Most players in their 30s will probably start thinking about the end of their career and what kind of legacy they'll leave behind but not the Barca captain. Talking to Unisport about his legacy Messi said:

"In the end, everyone will remember and think of you what they want - and they're free to do so."

Messi celebrates his record making 400th La Liga goal in typically low key style. Image: PA Images

It would be fair to say that the reaction from fans was pretty positive:

The kind of reaction Messi's answer was getting. Image: YouTube

It's wonderfully humble of Messi to say, although a cynic could argue it's easy to say that when you know you're going to be talked of as one of the world's best when you retire- a cynic though, not me.

Messi is a five time Ballon d'Or winner. Image: PA Images

Asked about winning Ballon d'Ors the five time winner answered, "Well, I don't think I've done anything decisive to achieve success or win titles. It comes when God decides and chooses, there's no fixed time."

There's no doubt that alongside Ronaldo, Pele, Diego Maradona, and a very limited few others that Messi is in the conversation, to some he is the conversation.

Where do you rank the Barcelona forward in list of all time best player?

Topics: Football News, Barcelona, Messi, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Clasico, Spanish football, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, La Liga

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28