Lionel Messi declares Real Madrid the best side in the world

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has admitted that arch rivals Real Madrid are the best side in the world currently, following their Champions League and La Liga double this season. The scary thing for Cules is that they have signed the forward annointed by many as the generational heir to Messi’s throne.

Kylian Mbappe will arrive to a side that has already won it all under Carlo Ancelotti. Speaking to Infobae, Messi begrudgingly admitted that Los Blancos were the best around currently, although he did note they didn’t play the best football in his eyes.

“If you go by results, it is Madrid. If you go by how they play, I personally like Guardiola’s City and I think that any team where Guardiola is will be special because of the way he is, the way he coaches and the way he makes his teams play. At a playing level, for me, City is the best. By results, Madrid,” Messi explained to Infobae, as carried by Marca.

Messi also revealed that he still keeps in touch with Neymar Junior, sharing an active group chat with him and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez, but didn’t see the Brazilian joining them any time soon. He did not close the door on making it to the 2026 World Cup though, which will take place in his current home.

“It depends on how I feel, how I am physically and being realistic with myself. And knowing if I am up to the task of being able to compete and help the teammates next to me.”

When the next World Cup comes around, Messi will be 38 years old, and may well have called it a day. It’s not that far away, but following the Copa America this summer, Messi will be coasting for the most part until that tournament.