Lionel Messi surprises by declaring that today’s Barcelona is stronger than in the era of Neymar, Messi, and Luis Suárez: “Their skill is even greater than mine.”
In an unexpected statement that has caused a stir in the football world, Lionel Messi has stated that the current Barcelona team is stronger than the team that reached its peak during the golden age of the “MSN,” comprised of Neymar, Messi, and Luis Suárez. The Argentine star not only praised the team but also singled out one player in particular, stating that his skill was “even superior to mine,” sparking speculation about who this player might be.
Messi, who recently moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) to join Inter Miami, took a moment to reflect on his time at Barcelona and the club’s evolution during an exclusive interview with the sports press. Despite leaving the Catalan club last year, Messi still maintains a close connection with his former club and has been closely monitoring its performance this season.
“I think this Barcelona has a collective strength it didn’t have before. When we played with Neymar and Luis Suárez, we were a formidable trio, but what I see today is a more balanced team, with many more attacking and defensive options. This Barcelona can win the Champions League. And there’s one player in particular who is simply impressive,” Messi commented, without explicitly naming the player he was referring to.
Messi’s comment has sparked a wave of speculation about who the Argentine star sees as the player in whom he sees such a high level of skill. Some point to youngsters like Pedri and Gavi, who have shown impressive maturity for their age and have been key players in Xavi Hernández’s tactical system. Others suggest players like Robert Lewandowski, who, despite being a renowned striker, has shown leadership qualities and commitment to the team since arriving at the club.
Messi’s praise for the current Barcelona has been enthusiastically received by the club’s fans, who see in the Argentine’s words a reaffirmation that Barcelona is on the right path, despite the challenges it faced following his departure and the rebuilding under Xavi. Furthermore, the mention of the possibility of winning the Champions League has further fueled supporters’ hopes that this new project can lead the club back to European glory.
“This team has what it takes to fight for the Champions League. It’s clear that Xavi has built something solid, and I see that positively. The youngsters are shining and the team is well-organized, which makes it very dangerous for any opponent. With players like the one I mentioned, the chances of reaching the top level are very high,” Messi added, highlighting the squad’s depth and ability to compete at the highest level.
Although many consider Messi to be highly critical of himself, the fact that he has acknowledged the ability of a player at the current Barcelona team as superior to his own has raised eyebrows. Throughout his career, Messi has been considered one of the greatest players of all time, and his humility in praising another player underscores his dedication to the team and his respect for the talents of his teammates.
Messi’s statement not only reflects his admiration for Barcelona, but also his desire to see the club reach new heights after his departure. While the former Barcelona player has already begun a new phase of his career in the United States, his connection with the Catalan club remains deep, and his words today reinforce the idea that Barça remains a team with enormous potential for the future.
In short, Barcelona has undergone a significant transformation since Messi’s departure, but the Argentine star’s words are a clear indication that, under Xavi’s leadership and with new talent on the rise, the club is ready to once again compete at the top of European football. The expectation that the team can win the Champions League is higher than ever, and fans hope this Barcelona resurgence will continue with both domestic and international success.
