Although Lionel Messi has played alongside and against some of the greatest footballers in history, he has no doubt about who the best player he has ever seen is.
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As a key member of one of the most legendary teams at Barcelona, Messi shared the pitch with stars like Carlos Puyol, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho, and formed an iconic front three with Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez. ..Continue Reading
However, when asked to name the greatest player he has ever witnessed, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did not choose any of these illustrious teammates.
Despite having some of the finest teammates a player could wish for, Messi instead named a former opponent as the best player he has ever seen play live.
Contrary to what many might expect, it wasn’t Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo who received Messi’s admiration; instead, he honored Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario as the greatest player he has ever seen.
“Ronaldo Nazario was a phenomenom,” Messi told TyC Sports in 2020.
“Of all the strikers I have seen, for me he was the best. An impressive player from any aspect.”
But, the World Cup winner did also pay tribute to Ronaldinho for his guidance in his early days at the Catalan club.
He added: “He helped me a lot. I came into the dressing room at 16-years-old. Doing so and seeing all these greats was difficult. He took me under his wing, he made me feel comfortable, so that I let go.
“On the pitch I was always looking for him. We played for a few years together. In this era I didn’t play much. I would have liked to play a lot more with him.”
Messi’s rivalry with Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history. However, despite their intense competition, the current Inter Miami star has consistently expressed admiration for his counterpart.
He told DAZN: “It was a special duel with Cristiano that will remain forever.
“It lasted many years, and it is not easy to maintain certain levels for a long time.
“Our teams were also very demanding: Real Madrid and Barcelona, the two strongest clubs in the world. “Competing as equals for so many years is something that will remain forever.”
