Rosell hails Barca idol Messi

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell says Lionel Messi is the embodiment of the club’s values of humility and team work.

Rosell addressed a group of school children on Wednesday, to explain the values at the centre of the club’s recent successes.

“Respect, effort, ambition, team work and humility are key values,” the Barcelona president was quoted as saying by Marca.

“Humility is not being cocky. Like Messi, or the way that Barca celebrate its title wins modestly, without offending its opponents.

“When Messi was awarded the Golden Boot, he said that it was thanks to teamwork. Without that, there are no individual victories.

“Messi ran the length of the wing against Rayo (Vallecano) to defend, even though his team were winning 5-0 and he’d scored two of those goals. He made an effort.

“Even if you’ve done all the hard work, you have to keep making an effort.”

Barcelona are preparing for Saturday’s Liga match against Celta Vigo.