Mendeta spoke in shock: Messi is still the world s number one! No one can match

Former Barcelona midfielder Gezka Mendeta believes Messi is still the best player in the world. The Argentine master grew up all the way in Camp Nou and then conquered the world with the giants of Catalans.

The star nicknamed "Little Flea" eventually became the greatest player in the history of this La Liga champion team, and is currently the keeper of the team's goal and assist record. The eight-time Golden Ball winner is also Barcelona's most honors and the player with the most championships in football history.

Menditta added in an interview with Marca that it will take a long time to see the new name replace Messi's status. "He is still Messi. No player can reach his level. Obviously he did not perform as well at Miami International as he was in Barcelona. When I talked about what football means to those of us who like football, Messi was this symbol. He represents talent, skills, beauty...this is how we understand football." He continued: "It will take a long time to see someone take his place in this way. There are a lot of talented players now. History shows that there will always be someone coming, but I think it will take time". Messi, 38, left Barcelona as a free agent in the summer of 2021 to join Paris Saint-Germain. After two good years in Paris, he moved to Miami International in 2023.