"It would be very nice," said Messi, who has been swamped by media requests while back in Argentina, "but I am only thinking about doing well for Barcelona and the national team.

"If I play well, then I will have a better chance of winning such awards. But I'm not driving myself crazy thinking about it."

Messi is one of seven players Barca players shortlisted for the FIFA World Player of the Year award. Messi (Argentina), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Deco (Portugal), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Thierry Henry and Lilian Thuram (France), plus Rafa Marquez (Mexico) have all been nominated.