The forward admits that nobody can match Barca's little wizard on the pitch, while shedding light on his World Cup encounter with a distraught Neymar
Chelsea star Eden Hazard has labelled Lionel Messi the greatest footballer of all time, while admitting he did not enjoy his meetings with the Barcelona wizard in 2018.
The Argentine, alongside current Juventus man Cristiano Ronaldo, has dominated the game over the last decade, breaking countless records with his club while also becoming the first man to win five Ballons d'Or.
Messi or Ronaldo has been a constant source of contention amongst some football fans, with endless debates generated over the question of who is the best in the world.
But for Hazard, only one man has a legitimate claim to that title.
"Two G.O.A.T.s (Greatest of All Time) you say? No way. There is only one G.O.A.T: Him, Lionel Messi!" the Chelsea man explained to HLN.
"Those two games against Barcelona were not my best memories of 2018. I was happy to play against Barcelona and Messi, but I didn’t deliver what I expected. I was disillusioned.
"My three sons were there for the home match at Stamford Bridge. The eldest is a big Messi fan - all of us are Messi fans, actually. He wanted to see Messi that day, because Messi is a special player."
Hazard enjoyed a productive summer in 2018, helping Belgium reach the World Cup semi-finals before ultimately losing out to hosts France.
One of the teams the Red Devils upset along the way was Brazil, who went down 2-1 in the quarters thanks largely to an inspired performance in goal from Thibaut Courtois.
The much-questioned Neymar was comforted by Hazard at the final whistle, and he admits that he felt for Brazil's icon after the match.
“That was something that came naturally. I didn’t think about it when we crossed each other. I just put myself in his place," he added.
"Everyone expected him to become the best player of the World Cup. It had to be Neymar. Lionel Messi was out of the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo as well. The pressure on his shoulders must have been immense.
"I know the feeling. But tens of thousands of times bigger than in Belgium, when they expected a lot from me in 2014. The nation, the fans, the journalists. It was Neymar, Neymar, Neymar. It was all about Neymar, Neymar, Neymar.
"It was exaggerated hysteria. Have we won? Then it’s thanks to Neymar. Have we lost? Then it’s Neymar’s fault. As if those 22 others in the Brazil squad didn’t even participate.
"We did not speak - his English isn’t that good. It was all about the gesture, not about the words. In a difficult moment I wanted to make him feel respected. To comfort him. He is a top player. His moment will come. Maybe at the next World Cup.“
EmbraceStarboy
369
Leo Messi is the most talented player of all time. His dribbling, ball control and finishing is completely out of this world. Every player who has faced him admits he's the best. Its not surprising that Hazard has said he's the G.O.A.T. Most great players have also said it. My advice is that if Hazard wants to become the best then he should learn from the best and thats Leo Messi💯👑
Gabrieljackson
321
it's official hazard is not going to Madrid anymore Perez wouldn't like this comment very much
Ycash
167
I don't know why some of this anti-Messi fans are so backward in thoughts😂😂😂😂, Harzard simply said Messi is the best he did not criticize Real Madrid. So why would Madrid not sign him if they wanted to? Because he praised Messi? All anti-Messi fans are damn asses and very backward
Fuseini Suale
141
Hazard u not the the first person to say this and you will never be the last man to say it. ALL Hails the King (Messi).
Jozabdiks
126
Hazard can have a opinion people are talking about his skills compare to Ronaldo but you don't need to be better than Ronaldo at football to have an opinion cause barely anybody is. For those deluded dumb Ronaldo fan how many EL Clasico have Ronaldo beaten Messi in. Every El Clasico Messi is better yet people ignore that. Who's the better dribbler " Messi ", who has more football IQ " Messi", who's a better passer " Messi", who's a better finisher " Messi ". only thing Ronaldo trump is goal scoring ability like penalties and header. Real Madrid fan act as if Ronaldo and their club are fond of each other.
yohannesmoges13
94
Thanks hazard
ammu
90
true that Lionel Messi is something special that happens once in a century always amazing to watch him play
DibitSingh
71
I have been trying the Greatest Ever Or Should the Greatest Ever t I Say Played This Game Or Should the Greatest Ever Played I will Be Greatest Ever Or Should I Say The AFC championship and Only I will send you an email address or phone the Greatest Ever t the Best buy has been a long r to have to see if You're such a little later I can get it for Getafe Malcom the middle you an idea of those days work for you an email with the details and I will send it out to the middle Round the middle you have any other ideas I have a little while but the Greatest you an update on this order was placed on this order was placed on hold with
motacdmnrs
66
Messi , who else.?
Enuson
59
even chealse Hazard , listen well ooooo ooooo chealse Hazard says, there no one going to be or complete with the football messiah in any ways. And sees messi as greatest of all footballer.
Liwab
44
I respect his opinions for some Messi is goat for some players and legends Cristiano is the best,it's thier respective choice for those who love dribbling and playmaking they love Messi and for those who love headers,long range goals,unimaginable strikes,skills love cr7,it's just the matter of choice he hasn't paid against cr7 so that was his I bet if Chelsea faced real Madrid when cr7 was in his 30+ then he would have a different opinion.he(hazard) is a player who likes dribbling and playmaking as it is his style of play and the world class strikers who scores headers long range goals and some thriving skills like kane,piatek,bale,rashford they say cr7 is the goat,I respect him and he made this statement now which he never wanted to answer because he knows real Madrid will not go for him in summer and there is no point holding back in your comments as he knows mbappe,neymar and other players are real Madrid's top priority so he just but hurt,for Barcelona fans Messi is best and goat,for united,real Madrid,Portugal and sporting Lisbon fans cr7 is the best and GOAT there is no point comparing them now as they have different style of plays,they are just two faces of the same coin