Lionel Messi Talks Neymar, Luis Suarez and More in Barcelona Interview

Lionel Messi totally rejects the idea that he has to score for Barcelona to win. 

In a sit-down interview with the club's magazine, reported by Ketty Calatayud of Barcelona's website, the Argentinian maestro explained how players such as Neymar and Luis Suarez make things easier for him:

"

The truth is that I never saw it that way and I never felt obliged to score goals because if I didn’t the team would not win.

On the contrary, Barca have always had great strikers, not just now with Ney and Luis, who we are making the most of because they are both world class figures. They give us not just goals but also plenty of other things. So for that reason I am calm.

"

Bleacher Report UK's Sam Tighe believes Barca's dynamic trio deserve to be recognised as the best:

Messi struggled with injury problems and off-the-field pressure last season—notably a tax-evasion case currently placed on him and his father—but has rocketed back to net 45 goals across 44 matches in all competitions this campaign, per WhoScored.com.

Only Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more domestic league goals across the continent, but most importantly, Barca have a two-point lead atop La Liga.

During his interview, Messi confirmed he has worked through a difficult period in his career, reported by Calatayud:

"

Yes, I feel happy. The truth is that I started the season in a different way after what happened to me last season. I had a tough year due to events off the field, injury and my form. But this season I started differently and now I feel good.

"

Fernando Bustamante/Associated Press

He admits being "inconsistent" and that he "didn't feel right" last season when returning from injury. Messi believes "hard work, smiling and effort" has helped him progress through a year he is looking to "quickly forget." Silverware this season would most likely do the trick.

Marca provided another snippet from Messi, whose intensity used to take hold of him before his son, Thiago, was born:

Messi has scored or assisted in each of his last nine appearances, per WhoScored. Ray Hudson, beIN Sports commentator, recently alluded to the player's unearthly ability after his strike against Sevilla, per B/R UK:

Daniel Tejedor/Associated Press

Despite constantly being linked with a move away in January, Messi appears to be extremely happy in a Barcelona team which is only going to get better.

Once the side's transfer ban lifts in January 2016, it's likely a plethora of new world-class players will join him on the Camp Nou pitch. Inevitably, Messi will remain the side's most important star until he decides to leave.