Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has unequivocally declared Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, shedding light on what makes the Argentine legend unmatched on the pitch. Messi, who has dominated world football for over two decades, boasts an incredible career decorated with eight Ballon d’Or awards and numerous team accolades.
In a recent interview with Voetbal International, de Jong shared his admiration for the former Barcelona captain, emphasizing the unparalleled difference Messi makes in any team. Reflecting on their two seasons together at Barcelona from 2019 to 2021, the Dutch midfielder said:
“I’ve never seen such a big difference between one player and the rest. Whatever we did in training, Messi was the best, always.”
De Jong and Messi played 80 matches together during their time at Camp Nou, building a strong on-field connection and mutual respect. Despite their remarkable understanding on the pitch, the duo couldn’t achieve the level of team success many had hoped for, with Messi departing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 amid Barcelona’s financial struggles.
Nevertheless, de Jong’s praise of Messi highlights the Argentine’s influence, both as a teammate and as a player who consistently redefines the game. For Barcelona fans, de Jong’s words reaffirm Messi’s legendary status at the club and his enduring legacy in football history.
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