Walker: Messi is still the best player I've faced; what he does on the field is terrifying

According to Talksport, Walker believes Messi remains the best player he has ever faced in his career.

Messi remains one of the best players in world football, and what he can still do on the pitch is astonishing. Walker, who faced the 38-year-old twice during his eight years at Man City, has called him the best player he has ever encountered in his career.

Messi now plays for Inter Miami in the United States, and some fans have questioned whether the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner can still compete at the highest level. However, earlier this week, Messi answered those doubts with an outstanding performance in Argentina's opening victory in Group J. He scored a hat-trick against Algeria, becoming the joint all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history and the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament.

For Man City right-back Walker, Messi remains in a league of his own. The two faced each other during the 2021/22 Champions League season, when Messi played for PSG, including a group-stage match in which Paris defeated Man City 2-0 at home.

Walker visited the Talksport studio on Friday to discuss Messi's impressive start to the FIFA World Cup. When asked who the best player he had ever faced was, Walker made it clear that one player stood out significantly above the rest.

Walker said: "Of course, Messi, by far! What he does with a football is terrifying—things that really shouldn't happen. I feel like people always seem to question him or say, 'He's a bit too old.'"

"This might be his last FIFA World Cup, but look at everything he's already achieved in his career... If Argentina can defend the FIFA World Cup, it would be a dream farewell for him. But I hope it doesn't happen, because I want England to win!"

"Everything this man has done in the world of football is truly extraordinary."

If Messi scores one more goal in the FIFA World Cup, he will reach 17 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the outright all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history. Messi and Argentina's next match is against Austria, followed by Jordan in their final Group J fixture.