After saying goodbye to European football, Lionel Messi is all set to grace American soil following an uncordial exit from French giants Paris Saint-Germain. Over his illustrious career, the former Barcelona superstar has earned praise from his teammates and opponents for his heroics on the field.
The latest one to do so was his former El-Clasico rival Casemiro. In 2022, the Brazilian defensive midfielder departed from the Bernabeu and joined Manchester United. The 31-year-old immediately impacted the Red Devils by being the catalyst in ending the club’s six-year trophy drought.
Messi and Casemiro faced each other in many fierce El Clasico clashes, one of the most spectacular and hotly-anticipated football matches in the world. Let us find out what the former Real Madrid midfielder had to say about the Argentine icon.
Former Real Madrid DM Casemiro hails Lionel Messi supremacy
The 31-year-old ended his stay at the Bernabeu as one of the most successful players for the club by winning a record 5 Champions League trophies, 3 La Liga titles, and 3 FIFA Club World Cups. In 2016, the Brazilian shared the pitch with Leo Messi for the first time during an El-Clasico.
During a recent interview, the five-time Champions League winner was full of praises for his fellow South American superstar. He said: “Messi made an era, and he was always competitive with Barcelona and Argentina; there was no way out. Whoever loves football will love Messi. It was a pleasure to play against him. He is someone who needs no comment you can only admire.”
Despite his reverence for the 36-year-old superstar, the Brazilian did not shy away from expressing his discontent when the Albiceleste won the World Cup. He said “No, I didn’t watch it, and frankly, after our loss, I think I didn’t watch football for a month, and I didn’t turn on the TV. It was very painful.” He added “One of my best friends, Licha, won the tournament. I congratulate him with all respect and appreciation. If there is someone worthy of it from my friends, it is Lisandro.”
Casemiro talking about Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/Vg3mrtdB5u
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) January 9, 2023
Casemiro discloses top 3 players of his generation
After his successful 9-year stint with the Los Blancos, the defensive midfielder joined Manchester United in the last summer transfer window for a fee of $77 million plus $12 million in add-ons. Upon his arrival, the Red Devils had a successful season: finishing third in the Premier League and winning the EFL Cup by defeating Newcastle United in the final.
Throughout his impressive career, the Brazilian midfielder has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the greatest players in the game. Talking about some great players, he said, “I didn’t get to watch Maradona or Pele play, but I enjoyed watching the three greatest players of my generation: Messi, Cristiano and Neymar.”
After leading his team to global triumph, the Argentine has itched himself into the history books as arguably the greatest player of the generation. The footballing world has shocked after the 36-year-old announced his against-the-odds move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami. Millions of fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating seeing the Argentine icon in Miami colors.
