Messi hopes 2016 brings even more success than wild 2015 trophy haul

It's a new year for Barcelona and for star forward Lionel Messi, 2016 presents an opportunity to reach for even higher heights than his side reached in a trophy-riddled 2015.

The Blaugrana won five titles last year, including the Club World Cup, the domestic La Liga title, and the Champions League. But, Messi says, they'll strive to do even more in 2016.

"It's complicated to improve on what we did in 2015, but we will try," Messi told Movistar+, as quoted by Marca. "We have a squad with a lot of desire that wants to achieve special things. The Ballon d'Or? I don't know anything about it."

Messi and his Blaugrana teammates looked a touch disconnected during their last La Liga fixture against Real Betis, yet they still managed to put the ball into the back of the net four times, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a Spanish club in one calendar year (180).

While Messi admitted his side wasn't as sharp as usual, he also explained why.

"We're coming back from holidays, it's normal," Messi said. "We need to find our rhythm again bit by bit. After the Club World Cup they said this would be a difficult game and we got the win. Do we need a rest? We just had a rest!"

Messi was very nearly put back into bed, though, as the Argentine endured a brutal collision with Betis goalkeeper Antonio Adan. He shook it off, got back up, and scored. After the match, Messi admitted he did not know what happened during that injury scare.

"I do not know to tell you the truth," Messi admitted. "I collided with him and I'm not sure. I did not see it coming, I was looking to control the ball with my chest. I honestly do not know."