Must win World Cup to be considered great

Football players must win the World Cup before they can be considered one of the sports greats,in-form Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was quoted as saying on Tuesday. To become a legend,to be great,you also have to win a World Cup, Argentina international Messi said in an interview with Spanish daily El Mundo.

I have only just turned 22, he added. Its all happening very quickly and you have to stay calm.

Messi has turned in a series of brilliant performances in recent weeks,scoring 11 goals in five matches,including two La Liga hat-tricks,and earning comparisons with former players like his compatriot Diego Maradona and Brazils Pele. I never intend to disrespect anyone, Messi told El Mundo. I just play football. In my own way.