Former Barcelona player, Thiago Motta, has stressed that although Lionel Messi used to mostly rely on himself on the pitch, he has turned himself into a team player.
He also talked about football's other two superstars, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Messi is instinctive and he has managed to fulfil his dream and be the phenomenon that he is," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"He has an innate talent and has known how to adapt to changes because the league has evolved.
"He started more as an individual but now relies on his colleagues to make the difference.
"Neymar has the ability to protect the ball, so that rivals don't steal it and with his technique and physical power he makes the difference.
"[Cristiano Ronaldo] is a unique player, who lives and breathes for being the best in the world."
After having retired last summer, Motta currently coaches Paris Saint-Germain's U19 team.
wiebciosyz
196
Ronaldo and Messi are great players. I support the guy that said Messi plays well because he is surrounded by sound teammates. The question is if Messi is as good as so many people say, why has he not been able to win continental and world cups for his country. Again, why can't he change club to truly prove so many people wrong that he is performing because he's surrounded by world class players. Until he is able to do this I think Ronaldo has an edge over him. I rest my case.
Bullockthesun
17
I think if anything he’s had to rely on himself more since Neymar left. In the past, he’s had 2 of the greatest midfielders ever, Ronaldinho, Eto’o, Puyol, and many others who are some of the best in history. Messi has been able to play freely because he’s had world class players around him. I’m not sure why people make it out like Messi’s had to do everything by himself when he’s always been surrounded by the best talent in the world.