Although Lionel Messi has played with some of the greatest football players of all time, he still believes in one man above the rest.
Throughout his illustrious playing career, Messi has faced some of the world’s most brilliant players.
The Argentine made his professional debut with players like Carlos Puyol, Xavi, Deco, Andres Iniesta, Samuel Eto’o, and Ronaldinho after graduating from Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy.
Messi would go on to team up with Neymar Jr. and Luis Suarez to form one of the most lethal forward combinations in recent memory, helping Barcelona win four Champions League titles and ten La Liga titles before moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
Even though he had some of the best teammates a player could ask for, Messi described his opponent as the best player he had ever seen in person.
Instead of long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi chose Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario.
In 2020, Messi told TyC Sports, “Ronaldo Nazario was a phenomenom.” He was, in my opinion, the best striker I have ever seen. An outstanding player in every way.
In addition, the World Cup winner thanked Ronaldinho for mentoring him in his formative years at the Catalan team.
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.
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“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 words for Ronaldo
Though Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry will go down in history, the current Inter Miami star had nothing but kind things to say about his opponent.
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.”
