While a major chunk of football fans in the world believe that Lionel Messi is the greatest ever footballer to have graced the field, it often goes out to what he believes. The Argentina legend recently addressed the query and took the name of Ronaldo, when asked about the finest player he has seen play live. Hold your horses Cristiano Ronaldo fans, he was unfortunately was talking about his GOAT debate rival when he answered that, rather he was speaking about the legendary Brazilian forward, Ronaldo Nazario.
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Lionel Messi Picks the Best Footballer He Has Witnessed Play Live
Having won eight Balon d'Ors in his career, the most by any, only few footballers can be seen in the same wavelength as Lionel Messi. The longevity of the Barcelona legend is unfathomable, as even after winning all the accolades and lifting every trophy in the world of football, the little man from Rosario is still going strong with Inter Miami in MLS.
In the long career span, Lionel Messi has featured alongside some of the most talented footballers in the world. Be it Neymar Jr, Luis Suarez, Andreas Iniesta, or Kylian Mbappe, Messi has played alongside players of varied characters. However, when it came to picking the best he has ever witnessed playing, La Pulga took the name of former Real Madrid player Ronaldo Nazario.
“Ronaldo Nazario was a phenomenon,” 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.”
However, the World Cup winner did also pay tribute to Ronaldinho for his guidance during 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, and 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.”