Messi 'never imagined' his success after winning record fifth Golden Shoe

Lionel Messi never thought it was possible to be so successful in his Barcelona career after winning the European Golden Shoe for a record fifth time.

Despite being overlooked for the 2018 Ballon d'Or, Messi has enjoyed another wonderful year, having helped Barca to another LaLiga crown in the 2017-18 campaign.

He scored 34 times in 36 games on the way to inspiring that title triumph, a record not matched across Europe's top leagues as he secured yet another Golden Shoe.

Messi, 31, was presented with the prize for a fifth time – usurping Cristiano Ronaldo's tally of four – on Tuesday and it offered him the opportunity to reflect on his expectations as a youngster.

Leo #Messi Record 5th #GoldenShoe 2009/10 34 goals 2011/12 50 goals 2012/13 46 goals 2016/17 37 goals 2017/18 34 goals pic.twitter.com/3zL8fsGSgx

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 18, 2018

"I did not expect this when I started," Messi said at the event. "My professional dream was to be able to succeed in football, I never imagined this.

"I enjoy my work, the effort and, above all, the team-mates. I'm in the best team in the world, I have the best team-mates in the world in their positions and that makes everything easier getting these awards.

"Thanks to God I feel very good physically and emotionally. The years go by and I try to take care of myself, as I have done my whole career, and more, because the games are increasingly demanding."