Cesc Fabregas believes that Lionel Messi has adapted his game with age to become 'more complete than ever' as the 32-year-old continues to dominate headlines and break records.
“That's the thing with Leo, he reinvents himself season after season,” Cesc said of the Rosario-born star. “Maybe he is not the player who dribbles past three, four or five players and score an outstanding goal any more.
“Instead, now, he prefers to do 50-yard passes, leaving Jordi Alba one-versus-one with the goalkeeper.
“He sees one-twos around the box, he might do a chip and an assist... I think now he is more complete than ever.”
Messi's legendary status in football has long been confirmed but he may struggle to win the Ballon d'Or for his season after a disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of eventual winners Liverpool.
The Reds mounted an incredible 4-0 win at Anfield, coming back from a 3-0 defeat in the first league at Camp Nou. What followed was a 2-1 Copa del Rey final loss to Valencia, but Fabregas believes that Messi still deserves to be crowned the best player in the world.
“It is very difficult, it might depend on who won the Champions League,” Fabregas said of Messi potentially winning the Ballon d'Or.
“Normally, these trophies are appointed to people who win big things. I think Messi won it in 2010 when they only won the league so it is definitely doable.
“I think it is if it is all about who is the best, then Messi is the best. No doubt about it.
“I think Liverpool have had a fantastic season, though. Potentially one of their players could be on the podium, for sure.”
Messi does have one more stab at glory this term as Argentina compete in Copa America, starting with a clash against Colombia on Saturday.
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Fabregas knows who the real GOAT is