Messi: I want Spain to win Euro 2012

Posted Saturday, June 23, 2012 by Goal.com

Lionel Messi has stated that he would love to see Xavi, Andres Iniesta and the rest of his Barcelona team-mates once more crowned champions of Europe, as he throws his support behind Spain's bid to win Euro 2012.

The reigning champions qualified top of Group C and unbeaten, following up a tight draw against Italy with wins over Croatia and Ireland. Spain now prepare for a quarter-final clash with France on Saturday evening, the winner of which will go on to play Portugal in the last-four.

Currently in Colombian capital Bogota, where he took part in a charity match on Friday, Messi stated that he would be supporting La Roja as the European Championship enters the decisive stages.

"I admit that I have not been following the European Championship, I do not have a clear favourite. But I would like Spain to win because of the team-mates I have there," Messi told reporters.

The Argentine was also questioned on the recent declarations made by Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who criticised how the Argentina star had performed in 2011's Copa America. Messi, however, preferred to stay silent on the subject.

He added: "Regarding what Cristiano said... The truth is that I have nothing to say."

The charity match held in El Campin between the 'Friends of Messi' and the 'Rest of the World' finished 6-6, with appearances from stars such as Dani Alves, Robinho and Diego Forlan on the pitch and a performance from Puerto Rico's reggaeton megastar Daddy Yankee also adding to the spectacle.