Lionel Messi defies time and critics: Ronaldinho declares him the best in the world, ignoring Mbappé and young stars
In a football landscape where Lionel Messi’s supremacy is increasingly questioned, especially following his move to MLS in 2023, an undeniable voice emerges to defend the Argentine as the best active player on the planet. Ronaldinho Gaúcho, the Brazilian legend and former teammate of Messi at Barcelona, breaks the current debate that places names like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in the spotlight.
Despite Messi having left the European stage, where the intensity of the Champions League and the World Cup define the benchmark for the best, his performance in the United States continues to be astounding. Data from SofaScore reveals that, in 88 matches for Inter Miami, the Argentine star has amassed an impressive 77 goals and 43 assists, numbers that few can match.
However, the quality of MLS is often called into question, and many analysts exclude Messi from discussions about the best in the world, preferring to highlight emerging talents like Mbappé. Against this tide, Ronaldinho, at 46 years old and with a career filled with titles, including the Ballon d’Or and twice named FIFA World Player of the Year, holds a firm and unwavering opinion.
In an interview with the Argentine newspaper Olé, Ronaldinho was clear and categorical about Messi’s current state: “He remains the best in the world. I hope he arrives in good shape for the World Cup and does incredible things for us, the fans.” This statement reveals that, for the Brazilian, Messi’s excellence transcends the competitive context and remains the highest standard of modern football.
The connection between Ronaldinho and Messi dates back to the Argentine’s early days at Barcelona, where the Brazilian, at the peak of his career, played a crucial role in integrating the young prodigy into a club of the highest demands. Messi has repeatedly acknowledged the importance of this influence on his journey, a relationship that will be further explored in the upcoming Netflix documentary about Ronaldinho. In the trailer, Messi confesses: “He was more important to me than I was to him.”
With this alliance and public acknowledgment, Ronaldinho not only reinforces Messi’s greatness but also challenges current trends that seek to replace the Argentine with new icons. The battle for the crown of world football is far from decided, and the support of a legend like Ronaldinho could be the fuel Messi needs to continue shining on the most demanding stages.
For avid football fans, this is a story that promises to stir emotions and reignite the debate over who truly dominates contemporary football. Stay tuned for the upcoming matches and prepare to witness a reunion of giants.
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This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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