Collecting the European Golden Shoe today, Lionel Messi has revealed his intention to be back fit by January, even if he ‘won’t set a date on it’.
The Argentine’s 46 goals last term for Barcelona was enough to see him earn the Golden Shoe for a third time in his career and today he was presented with it at a ceremony in Barcelona.
Messi, who was presented the award by former Barca forward and 1989-90 recipient Hristo Stoichkov, dedicated the award to his family and teammates and commented on his continued recovery from a hamstring injury.
“Will I be back by the new year’s first game against Elche? Hopefully. The truth is that I have not set a date for my return,” Messi told reporters today.
“If all goes well then I would be back in time for then, but it all depends on how it goes. I will be back when I can, but I will not set a date to it.
“Am I targeting more Golden Boots? This is not my target or anything, not when I was well, not now either. I have to strengthen the body so that nothing happens, so I can play calmly and I can stay at my level.”
