Quote of the day by Lionel Messi: "If I wasn't paid to be a professional footballer I would…" - famous words reveal why football was always more than just a career

• Lionel Messi quotes (Getty Images)Lionel Messi's words capture the genuine, deep connection he has always had with football, and the kind of passion that has quietly defined his entire extraordinary career.
• "Money is not a motivating factor," he said.
• "Money doesn't thrill me or make me play better because there are benefits to being wealthy.