Haaland? Mbappé? Diego Simeone did not hesitate to decide that Lionel Messi is currently the best in the world
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has claimed that Lionel Messi is the best player in the world right now.
The Argentine has faced the biggest names during his tenure at the helm of the Spanish club and while many remain loyal to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, there are plenty of promising stars championing their cause.
Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are all names tipped to be the leaders of the post-Messi and Ronaldo era, while Jude Bellingham is also tipped to become a superstar.
As long as Messi and Ronaldo lace up their boots, their rivalry will persist, despite the Portuguese striker’s insistence that it is now over.
Simeone has always stood by his compatriot Messi, considered the greatest in the world, while admiring the talent of the former Barcelona star and Ronaldo.
However, speaking at a press conference ahead of Atletico Madrid’s match at Valencia on Saturday, Simeone reiterated his view that Messi, 36, remains the best in the world.
“The best player in the world right now? Messi,” he told reporters.
“Messi, he became world champion. What does he have left to gain to continue to be the best in the world?
The Inter Miami star is set to win an eighth Ballon d’Or later this year following his exploits at the World Cup.
Messi inspired Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in Qatar, a feat that will likely be recognized at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris in October.
The Argentine has already helped Inter Miami win their first ever trophy by winning the Leagues Cup and continues to make headlines in South Florida since his arrival this summer.
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