Lionel Messi news: 'Everyone is free to think of me however they want to', says Barcelona star on his legacy

What's the story?

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has opened up about the legacy that he would like to leave at the Catalan club, and how he wishes to be remembered when he finally hangs up his boots.

In case you didn't know...

The Argentine maestro has come a long way since his younger days in La Masia, achieving unprecedented success both for the club and himself in his long career.

The 31-year-old is now a hero in the eyes of the Catalonia faithful, establishing himself as one of the best, if not the best, players to ever don the Barcelona shirt.

Messi boasts of being the club's all-time top scorer and continues to add to his ever-growing tally of goals in almost every game. Apart from LaLiga and Champions League titles, the Barca captain also boasts of an incredible five Ballon d'Or awards, a record shared with Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The heart of the matter

In an exclusive interview with Unisport, Messi has opened up about the legacy he wishes to leave, stating that it does not matter as everyone will stick to a certain opinion of him in the end.

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

When asked about his record Ballons d'Or, the Argentine said, "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."

What's next?

Messi has helped Barcelona to the top of the Spanish league table, where they sit four points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, with 49 points.

The table-toppers are scheduled to face Sevilla in the crucial second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter finals later tonight.