Still only 19, an age when most footballers are taking their first steps in the professional game, Lionel Messi is already an idol at one of the world's biggest clubs. Moreover he has already won a Spanish league title, played at a FIFA World Cup™ and is widely regarded as one of the best players on planet football.

Yet for all of that, Lionel Messi has the kind of humility you would expect of a young teenager at the start of his career. Impudent and daring on the pitch, he could not be a more likeable and grounded person off of it. In spite of his enormous fame and brilliant prospects, the young Argentinian was modesty itself when he spoke recently to FIFA.com to promote the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup which takes place in Rio de Janeiro between 2-12 November 2007.

The golden boy of world football spoke frankly about the thrilling climax to the Spanish league, his future at Barcelona and Argentina's elimination from Germany 2006, while making no secret of his admiration for Ronaldinho, who he ranks as the best player on the planet bar none.

FIFA.com: Lionel, there are just two matchdays left in the Spanish league, and Barcelona are fighting tooth and nail with Real Madrid and Sevilla for the title. What is your take on the race?
Lionel Messi: It's definitely been a very tight end to the season and all three teams are in with a good shout. It's true that Madrid are ahead of us at the moment, but I have faith in our team and believe we can finish the season with the title, which would be really fantastic.

Especially given the fact that Barcelona looked to have an unassailable lead over Madrid at one stage in the season.
That's also true, but it's hard to maintain the same rhythm all through the championship, and you also have to remember we had some bad injuries at the start of the year that took their toll. In addition, Madrid have put together a very good run, which has made the league title race that much tighter. However, in recent weeks, we've found our form again, which gives us a lot of confidence for the challenges ahead.

We recently had the final of this year's UEFA Champions League. Did you find yourself thinking it could have been Barcelona there in Athens defending their title?
Yes, of course. It was sad to have been eliminated so early on by Liverpool and then watch them reach the final, but next season we'll have another opportunity to win that title.

That will give you another chance to reach the final after you missed out last year because of injury.
Yes, it's a dream of mine to play in the final and win that tournament. That said, I really enjoyed the way we won the Champions League last year, even if I wasn't able to play.

Since then you have become one of the best players in the world. Some of your compatriots, like Zambrotta and Saviola, even consider you the best.
No, no (laughs). I wouldn't say that, although it's an honour that they would say such a thing. I try to play well every game and help the team, but I'm not the best in the world.

But what about that goal against Getafe? Very few players could have scored a goal like that. How do you feel about that goal two months on?
It was really special to score a goal like that, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to repeat it. I still get a lot of enjoyment out of it and it's a moment I'll never forget.

If not you, who do you think is the best player in the world?
I've always said it's Ronaldinho. He's a truly impressive player who can change the course of a game at any moment. During the time we've been together [at Barcelona], I've tried to learn as much as possible from him. On top of that, he's always been a great friend.

So when do you think the crown will pass to Messi?
I don't know if that's going to happen one day, but for now I'm just living the dream, and I want it to go on for as long as possible.

You have become such an icon at the Camp Nou that all that talk of possible transfers seems to have gone away.
Yes, luckily there's been no more talk about that. Barcelona is my home. I've always been treated well here and have no intention of going anywhere. I want to win a lot more titles with this team.

After La Liga is finally settled, you have another challenge coming up: the Copa America. How motivated will you be going into that tournament?
Very. When it comes to playing for Argentina, I'm hugely motivated. So naturally I want to be in the team that goes to the Copa America in Venezuela.

Traditionally, Argentinians have been more committed to playing this tournament than players from some of the other national teams. Is that still the case?
Yes, we're all really looking forward to it, but I also understand the position of players like Ronaldinho or Kaka, who have decided not to go. The league season in Europe really takes it out of you, and it's perfectly normal that they should need a rest.

WillVenezuela 2007 be Lionel Messi's first title with the senior team?
I certainly hope so. First I want to make the squad, later make the starting eleven, and then put in a good performance. We all want to win this one after the disappointment of losing the last Copa America in the final minute (to Brazil).

It has almost been a year since your adventure at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. Did it hurt not being selected for the decisive game against Germany?
No, what hurt was being knocked out, because we had high hopes of going even further. Of course, I'd have liked to be able to help the team in that game, but the coach picked the side and I respect that totally. In truth, just being at the World Cup was a huge thrill.

You are a star at Barça and among the world elite at only 19, so is there anything else you could wish for?
To win a World Cup with Argentina and a string of Champions League titles with Barcelona (laughs).