'Messi has no life, he lives in a golden prison'

Former Italy striker Dani Osvaldo, who retired from football at an early age to pursue a career in rock music has said that while he would like to have played like Lionel Messi, but he certainly would not like to have the same life as the Barcelona superstar.

The former Boca Juniors, Juventus and Roma forward decided to retire in 2016, claiming that ‘the world of football was no longer for him.’

“Would I like to be like Messi? No. I’d like to play like him, but he has no life. It’s as if he lives in a golden prison,” he told Marca.

“He couldn’t go somewhere and quietly drink something. Maybe he doesn’t care about it, but I do," he added.

Messi’s personal life is a matter of interest to football lovers around the world particularly because of the mundane manner of his existence – something that does not quite fit with his superstar status. Having been brought up in La Masia from a very tender age, Messi keeps his nose scrupulously clean, staying away from controversies that plague most other footballers’ career. Osvaldo, whose own career might be remembered for controversial incidents with teammates and coaches does not understand the reason behind Messi’s sedentary lifestyle choices.

“I imagine him buying the biggest TV in the world, but then he’s never in his living room to use it.

“Failing that, he probably drives a Ferrari, knowing he lives 15 minutes away from the Barcelona’s training ground…”

Following his retirement, the Buenos-Aires born man formed a band called Barrio Viejo in Barcelona, along with some musicians he met during his time playing for Espanyol.

Osvaldo, 32, won the Serie A title with Juventus in 2014 whilst on loan from Southampton.