I would not like to be a star like Messi, says Lavezzi

Ezequiel Lavezzi says he would not like to be Lionel Messi because of the attention the Barcelona star receives.

The three-time Fifa Ballon d'Or winner has become a household name across the world and is regarded as one of the best players the game has ever seen.

However, the Paris Saint-Germain attacker says he would not swap places with his Argentina team-mate, as he much prefers to hide in the shadows.

"Life isn't easy when everyone recognises you all the time," Lavezzi told Marca. "No, I wouldn't like to be like Messi. I prefer to keep myself in the shadows."

The winger, though, has the utmost respect for his compatriot and saw the potential in him as a youngster.

"When I played with him as a kid I could see his potential. I don't see him as the best in the world, but rather as another friend."
Lavezzi recently came head-to-head with his compatriot in the Champions League, with PSG winning their home leg 3-2 before suffering a 3-1 defeat at Camp Nou that consigned them to second in their group.