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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Lionel Messi names two things he still wants to achieve in his career

Lionel Messi has won almost everything possible in football - but there are two stones still left unturned.

The 32-year-old has five Ballon d'Or's and four Champions League winners medals amongst his vast array of team and individual honours.

But he's still chasing glory on the international stage after another World Cup heartache with Argentina in Russia last summer.

After a brief international retirement, Messi and co will attempt to make amends in the Copa America in Brazil this summer.

Messi admitted he still has a burning desire to help his country lift a major trophy before he retires - but he's also determined to fulfill his ambition of one day returning to play for hometown club Newell's Old Boys.

Lionel Messi admits he's still determined to win trophies with Argentina (Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno)

Speaking to Fox Sports Argentina, Messi said: "I want to finish my career and win something with the national team or try as many times as possible, not to be left with people who did not want me or bad comments towards me.

"Getting up, trying again, is the message for children who like to see me. That's life, stumble and get back up and fight for your dreams.

"My dream was always to be a soccer player, to reach the First Division.

"I was in Newell's, I was going to the pitch and my dream was to play in the stadium and live that.

Argentina are preparing for the Copa America in Brazil this summer (SIPA USA/PA Images)

"Life took me elsewhere, but my dream was always to be a professional player. Everything else that came exceeded everything.

"I still have to play in Newell's, but I do not know if it will happen."

Argentina finished second in their group at the last World Cup before being knocked out in a thriller against France in the next round.

And Messi admits he still wonders what could have been had he not had a late penalty saved against Iceland in their second group game.

Messi missed a penalty against Iceland in the World Cup last summer (REUTERS)

"The Russian thing was complicated by everything we lived," he admitted.

"Russia was an atypical World Cup in many situations but I prefer to leave it there

"If I had put the penalty against Iceland, I changed everything."

Messi's Argentina side will get their Copa America campaign underway against Colombia on June 15.

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