Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of, if not, the best soccer player to grace the field, so any praise from him shouldn’t be taken lightly.
It is often Messi who is being praised by his fellow professionals, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer recently called Messi ‘the best,’ while Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano applauded the Argentine’s impact on the MLS.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner isn’t afraid to dish out his share of praise though. Messi named Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as the “present and the future.”
Although Messi has caused his fair share of problems for defenders in his career he was quick to highlight the struggles he had up against one man in particular.
Maffeo compares Messi praise to ‘winning a trophy’
Messi named Pablo Maffeo as the hardest he had faced saying: “Pablo Maffeo, when he was at Girona, was the hardest defender I’ve ever faced.”
The praise has gone down well with the current Mallorca defender.
Speaking to The Athletic Maffeo explained his surprise over the Messi praise, he said: “It was very special that Leo would say that. For me, it’s like winning a trophy.
“It’s the best recognition from the best player in history. We lost that game, but the experience will always mark my life.”
Maffeo’s Girona lost the game 3-0 to Barcelona but Messi didn’t get his name on the scoresheet.
Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez, who has signed a new contract with the club, did manage to score though.
Messi will be key to Inter Miami’s 2025 targets
Messi finished the 2024 season as the MLS MVP, and he will be looking to build on this success in 2025.
The Argentine was left frustrated by Inter Miami’s playoff exit, and Messi promised that the team would ‘come back stronger.”
One cloud that is hanging over the Herons right now revolves around the superstar’s contract renewal. Inter Miami are expected to approach Messi over a new deal, it remains to be seen if he will sign beyond his current December 2025 cutoff.
Messi scored 20 goals in the MLS last season finishing as the club’s joint-top scorer with Suarez.
Javier Mascherano will certainly need Messi if the club are to be successful this year, especially as Inter Miami face a tough opening-day fixture against New York City FC.
The potential arrival of Neymar to Inter Miami could also help Messi build on his success with the club in 2025.