Lionel Messi has been widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, but the Argentine has also been gracious in handing out praise to team-mates and rivals alike
Lionel Messi has picked out six footballers who he deems to be world-class. Despite his own status as arguably the greatest player in football history, the Argentine star has always been gracious in acknowledging the skills and talents of both former team-mates and competitors.
With a trophy cabinet boasting 12 league titles, 17 domestic cups, four Champions Leagues, eight Ballon d'Ors, and a World Cup, it's no secret that the Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami legend is set to be remembered as one of the finest players to ever step onto the pitch.
Yet, even at 37, Messi remains modest when reflecting on the abilities of those around him. So, who are the six players that Messi has lauded over the years?
Cristiano Ronaldo
One of the few players who could feasibly contest Messi's GOAT (Greatest of All Time) title, Cristiano Ronaldo has regularly received praise from his long-time rival. The pair faced off in numerous El Clasico clashes during Messi's tenure at Barcelona and Ronaldo's time with Real Madrid.
And with an equally impressive array of trophies to his name, it's easy to see why some might favour CR7 in the debate over who is the superior player. However, instead of focusing on the differences, Messi has increasingly expressed admiration for the Al-Nassr star, who continues to shine in the Saudi Pro League at 40 years old.
Messi once said of him: "Cristiano Ronaldo is an extraordinary player and it would be brilliant to be in the same team as him. I do not know if that will happen one day, but I would like it to as he is spectacular."
Luis Suarez
As Luis Suarez spent six years alongside Messi as part of the famous MSN attacking trio with Neymar Jr, it's easy to see why the Argentinian has endlessly sung the striker's praises. When Suarez announced his retirement from international football in September with his nation of Uruguay, Messi took to Instagram to write: "You’re unique, Luis Suárez, both on and off the field. I care about you a lot."
During his stint with Barcelona, Suarez scored 195 goals in 283 appearances, lifting four La Liga trophies, six domestic cups, and a Champions League. And with the two already clinching a Supporters Shield with one another at Inter Miami, the chemistry between the two is undeniable.
Xavi
As Xavi had already been a key figure at Barcelona for six years when Messi emerged from the club's youth system in Catalonia, it's no surprise that Lionel has always looked up to the Spanish legend throughout his career. Previously speaking on the midfielder, Messi said: "Xavi, it's difficult to describe him as a player – everybody in the world knows what he can do on the field.
"He's a player who dictates the rhythm of the game, he can put the ball where he wants, he reads the game excellently. It's been a pleasure to play alongside him for so long and to be able to enjoy his football – not just in games but in training sessions as well.
"He is the best player in the history of Spanish football – I think that says everything."
Given the array of talent Lionel Messi has encountered throughout his illustrious career, his views on Xavi are not to be taken lightly.
The duo shared 11 years of success at Barcelona, collecting a plethora of trophies before Xavi moved on to Al Sadd for the twilight of his playing days.
Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos, much like Ronaldo, spent many years going toe-to-toe with Messi in the fiery El Clasico derbies representing Real Madrid. Renowned for his tough-tackling style, Ramos was a fixture in the Madrid defence for 16 years from 2005 to 2021, and Messi has openly admitted that Ramos was often the opponent he'd clash with most on the field.
Discussing their on-pitch confrontations, Messi said: "We fought a lot with Sergio Ramos. We later became teammates, but [before] in the Clásicos, we always grabbed each other. The Clásicos were intense."
Eventually, the two football giants set aside their rivalry and joined forces at PSG from 2021 to 2023, where they added two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophee des Champions to their already impressive hauls.
The mutual admiration is apparent, with Ramos having lauded Messi as "the best player football ever produced".
Kylian Mbappe
Messi formed a strong bond with Kylian Mbappe during their stint together at PSG, despite it lasting only two years. In a chat with TUDN, Messi said of the Frenchman: "Kylian is a different player.
"He's a beast, he's very strong one-on-one, he finds space and he's very quick. He can score a lot of goals, he's a very complete player and he's been showing that for years. In the next few years he'll be among the very best, no doubt about it."
Although Messi might have hoped to see the 26-year-old at Barcelona after his PSG tenure, Mbappe chose to join Real Madrid, where he has excelled in 2024/25
Karim Benzema
Messi also had to contend with Karim Benzema during his time at Barcelona, a formidable striker who netted a whopping 354 goals for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2023. Despite never being teammates, Messi hasn't held back his admiration for Benzema.
Speaking on Benzema winning the Ballon d'Or in 2022, Messi said: "I think Benzema was a fair winner. He deserves it for the great year he had and what he has been doing throughout his career.
"He is a wonderful player and I think it is important for him and for soccer that he has this recognition."
Benzema bid farewell to Los Blancos in 2023 to join the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad, boasting four La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues as testament to his successful tenure.