Lionel Messi: 'I don't compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and I suppose he would not compete with me'

Barcelona star gave a rare interview as he recovers from injury

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has said that he doesn't compete with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and that the rivalry is just "things that people say".

The Argentina star has not played in any of Barcelona's last four matches and is expected to miss at least another three weeks for the club.

But as he recovers from his knee injury he has given a wide-ranging interview to Yahoo where he discusses his non-rival, his future and more.

"These are things that people say," Messi said when asked if the Portuguese has pushed him to greater things.

"I don’t compete with Cristiano and I suppose he would not compete with me. What I want is the very best for my teams and that’s what I am working for."

Messi has been linked with a move away from Barcelona in recent weeks because of his continued issues with the Spanish tax authorities. But the forward said he hasn't thought about any move away from the Nou Camp.

"I don’t want to look too far ahead. I live for the moment and at this moment I am with Barcelona in La Liga where I have made my living and where I live very well."

The 28-year-old also spoke about his relationship with the Argentina support, where he has had something of a love-hate relationship.

"The truth is I don’t [accept it will always be love-hate], because I know very well that while the majority of us Argentines are very passionate, we also treat well the stars who represent us.

"There are some who insult us and do not value those who play for their country, but even then I don’t reproach them because everyone is entitled to their own opinion."