Leo Messi receives the fourth Golden Shoe of his career

Leo Messi received the fourth Golden Shoe award of his career on Friday thanks to his 37 goals last season in the league which allowed him to top the goalscoring charts in Europe and thus claim the prize once again. The award ceremony took place in the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm in Barcelona and Messi was quick to highlight the help he received to win the coveted boot: “Individual prizes always come from the collective and this award is for everyone because without my team mates I would not have scored the goals that I did.”

Before the event, Messi met a group of children from his Foundation which helps kids’ dreams come true with the help of the San Joan de Déu Foundation and their oncology centre. “I have always thought that in my life it is important to help those who most need it and as I can, I feel happy to help as many people as possible,” said the visibly emotional Barça number 10.

Messi received the award from his team mate Luis Suárez, the winner of the prize for the previous season. “Messi is unique due to the different things he can do in each game,” said the Uruguayan of fellow Barça striker who equals the record of Cristiano Ronaldo by winning the award for a fourth time.

Leo Messi was accompanied by his wife Antonella Rocuzzo and their two children as well as team mates Andrés Iniesta, Sergio Busquets aside from Luis Suárez. The Argentine reflected on his career so far: “I think I have grown as a player. I have added things to my game and I enjoy every day more being a footballer.”

On being left out of the starting XI against Juventus in midweek, Messi added “I always like to take part and help from the pitch but I understand that the season is long and more and more you have to look after yourself because the seasons are getting harder and harder.”