Lionel Messi has named one English player that he feels would have shined at Barcelona during his playing days and it's not Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard.
One English player named by Lionel Messi who would have shined at Barcelona
The 37-year-old is widely considered to be La Liga's, Barcelona and football's greatest ever player but former Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo might have a say on this.
During his tenure at Barcelona, Messi featured in 873 matches as he registered 709 goals for the Catalans. He even helped the Spanish giants lift ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies and four UEFA Champions League crowns. He was helped by the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets and several others during his time at the Camp Nou.
Having not played for any English Premier League side, Messi has faced British opponent many times in the Champions League. During an interview with Shortlist back in 2015, Messi named one English player that he feels would have shined at Barcelona.
[Wayne] Rooney has exceptional quality, Messi said when asked which British player would thrive in La Liga.
Not just great technical ability, but also works very hard for his team. I’m sure Manchester United will never want to let him leave, though.
But Messi was proved wrong as Wayne Rooney left United in 2017 as he reunited with his boyhood club, Everton before his spells at D.C United and Derby followed. This was not the first time that Messi praised the England International and even called him as 'once in a generation talent' back in 2015.
Wayne Rooney is for me a once-in-a-generation player, Messi told the Mirror. One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other.
There are many special players, but Rooney has exceptional quality and technical ability as well as being one of the strongest players I have faced with an exceptional work rate - there is nobody like him.
I have always said the same is true of myself and Argentina — breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies, Messi added. Like I say, Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second.
Lionel Messi Inter Miami stats
The Argentine International has featured in 4 games in the Major League Soccer this year. In those four games, he has three goals and 2 assists to his name. In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, he has played 5 matches and scored five goals. In the 29 games that he has played for Inter Miami so far in his career, he has recorded 24 goals and has 14 assists to his name.