AS.com

Before heading back to his native Argentina for the festive period, Barcelona star Lionel Messi gave an exclusive interview to the Catalan sports daily 'Mundo Deportivo' in which he looked back on 2012 and also talked of his aims for the coming year. Top of his wish-list was "a speedy recovery for Tito and the best of health to all".

Messi's ambition as a footballer is clear to see each and every day, and it seems that 2012 has left his thirst for trophies unquenched. "I'm happy about the goals I've scored and the records I've broken, but this year could have been better in terms of silverware. I've always said that if the team isn't winning things my goals are meaningless", the Argentine stated.

Speaking of the contract extension he has signed to stay at Barça until 2018, Messi said: "I hope to finish my career at Barcelona, and this new contract takes me a step closer to realising that dream."

In his personal life, the Camp Nou idol's world has been turned upside down by the arrival of a baby son. "Having Thiago was the biggest thing that has ever happened to me. It was a really special moment in my life." What's more, the affection he enjoys in his homeland has risen still further. "Another reason for me to feel happy this year was the love I received from all the people from Argentina who came to watch me play", the player revealed.

However, Barcelona's elimination to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final was one negative that still plays on Messi's mind. He admitted: "That's something I hope to put right, because I think that over the two legs we deserved to go through to the final. We'll do all we can to get to Wembley again and to win everything we can. That's the target, and we have to make the most of how well things are going right now to achieve that."