Former Barcelona defender and club legend Gerard Pique has reaffirmed his belief that Lionel Messi stands as the greatest player in the history of football. Pique, who shared numerous successful years with Messi at Barcelona, emphasized the significance of Messi’s World Cup triumph with Argentina in 2022 as solidifying his status as the best. With Messi clinching the World Cup trophy and earning the Golden Ball at the tournament, any lingering doubts about his legacy were dispelled, according to Pique.
“Messi is the best player in the history of this sport,” Pique speaks Via ESPNF90. Reflecting on Messi’s journey to World Cup glory, Pique noted the added value of achieving it later in his career. He suggested that the challenges Messi faced along the way made the triumph all the more meaningful, emphasizing Messi’s enduring impact on the sport. Pique also highlighted Messi’s contribution to elevating football’s popularity in the Americas, noting his continued happiness and success on and off the field.
“Not only in Spain, but also football fans, everyone wanted Messi to win the World Cup that he deserved. All those who doubted that Messi was the best player in history because he missed the World Cup… I think those doubts no longer make sense,” Former Barcelona defender added.
Despite their past differences, particularly surrounding Messi’s departure from Barcelona, Pique’s admiration for his former teammate remains unwavering. While rumors of tension between the two circulated during Messi’s final days at Barcelona, Pique’s recent remarks underscore the deep respect and appreciation he holds for Messi’s unparalleled talent and achievements.