21 big names who declared Messi the GOAT: Neymar, Rooney, Guardiola...
Lionel Messi has taken a major step towards securing his legacy as the greatest player in football history by finally lifting the greatest trophy of them all: the World Cup.
At 35, he won the most prestigious trophy, having scored seven goals at Qatar 2022, while also receiving the Ballon d'Or for the best individual player.
Some of the biggest names in sport have declared Messi the GOAT - ahead of Diego Maradona, Pelé and arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having already won seven Ballon d'Ors, four Champions Leagues, 11 league titles and countless other trophies, there is no doubt that the Argentinian icon has secured his place in the annals of history.
Here are 18 big names in the world of football who consider Messi the greatest of all time.
Pep Guardiola"He's the best player ever. I compare him to Pelé. I'm so happy to see this football," Guardiola said in 2015, after Messi's Barcelona eliminated Bayern Munich from the Champions League on the way to the treble.
READ: The four times Lionel Messi faced a Pep Guardiola side and how he got away with it
wayne rooney Luka Modric"Let's hope (Messi) wins this World Cup, he's the best player in history and he deserves it," Modric told reporters, after Argentina's 3-0 win over Croatia< /p>
"He has a great World Cup, he shows his quality and greatness in every game."
Neymar"Losing hurts me, it hurts me...it's something I haven't yet learned to live with. When I lost, I went to hug the greatest and the best in history I've seen play," the Brazilian wrote on social media after losing 1-0 to Messi's Argentina in the 2021 Copa America final.
"My friend and brother MESSI, I was sad and I said to him: 'You beat me.' I am very sad to have lost. But this guy is great! I have a lot of respect for what he did for football and especially for me. I HATE TO LOSE!!!! But enjoy your title , football was waiting for you at that time! CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER."
See this post on Instagram
A post shared by NJ
Lionel Messi has taken a major step towards securing his legacy as the greatest player in football history by finally lifting the greatest trophy of them all: the World Cup.
At 35, he won the most prestigious trophy, having scored seven goals at Qatar 2022, while also receiving the Ballon d'Or for the best individual player.
Some of the biggest names in sport have declared Messi the GOAT - ahead of Diego Maradona, Pelé and arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having already won seven Ballon d'Ors, four Champions Leagues, 11 league titles and countless other trophies, there is no doubt that the Argentinian icon has secured his place in the annals of history.
Here are 18 big names in the world of football who consider Messi the greatest of all time.
Pep Guardiola"He's the best player ever. I compare him to Pelé. I'm so happy to see this football," Guardiola said in 2015, after Messi's Barcelona eliminated Bayern Munich from the Champions League on the way to the treble.
READ: The four times Lionel Messi faced a Pep Guardiola side and how he got away with it
wayne rooney Luka Modric"Let's hope (Messi) wins this World Cup, he's the best player in history and he deserves it," Modric told reporters, after Argentina's 3-0 win over Croatia< /p>
"He has a great World Cup, he shows his quality and greatness in every game."
Neymar"Losing hurts me, it hurts me...it's something I haven't yet learned to live with. When I lost, I went to hug the greatest and the best in history I've seen play," the Brazilian wrote on social media after losing 1-0 to Messi's Argentina in the 2021 Copa America final.
"My friend and brother MESSI, I was sad and I said to him: 'You beat me.' I am very sad to have lost. But this guy is great! I have a lot of respect for what he did for football and especially for me. I HATE TO LOSE!!!! But enjoy your title , football was waiting for you at that time! CONGRATULATIONS BROTHER."
See this post on Instagram
A post shared by NJ
What's Your Reaction?
