Many would claim that seven times Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has achieved everything in soccer. With the most recent 2022 World Cup in his cabinet, the 35-year-old has won every possible trophy there is to win.
Thanks to his achievements, people all over the world are ranking Lionel Messi as the greatest soccer player of all time. Patrick Kluivert joined in hailing the seven times Ballon d’Or winner in a recent interview as well.
Patrick Kluivert hails Lionel Messi and his achievements
Former FC Barcelona and Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert wasn’t shy about hailing Messi’s legacy and his incredible trophy cabinet. Speaking to JohnnyBet, the former academy director of FC Barcelona said:
“Yes, that’s what I think. Of course, from the time that I was playing, there were Maradona, Pele, Cruyff—you name them. But if you see, and with all respect to all the other legends, what Messi achieves and has achieved—seven Golden Balls—I don’t know how many Champions League trophies, World Cups, Copa Americas.”
Barcelona's top scorers in Champions League history :
1) Lionel Messi – 120
2) Suarez – 25
3) Rivaldo – 22
4) Neymar – 21
5) Kluivert – 20One & Only. pic.twitter.com/0o6UzLLMDc
— Football & Witball (@FootballWitball) February 25, 2023
“He has won all the cups that a football player can win in his lifetime and also the personal prizes, seven times, or even other prizes as well. To be very honest, I consider him one of the greatest, if not the greatest, players ever,” he added.
How long has Kluivert played for Barcelona?
Patrick Kluivert played for FC Barcelona for six seasons between 1998 and 2004. He joined the club in the summer of 1998, after transferring from AC Milan. After moving to Barcelona, Kluivert’s career took off, and the club also experienced unprecedented success.
The 1998-99 season was one of the highlights of Kluivert’s time at Barcelona. Kluivert secured his place in the annals of the club with the game-winning goal in Camp Nou’s UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United. Barcelona won the Champions League for the first time in over three decades thanks to his late game header, which proved to be the game-winner.
In addition, during his time at Barcelona, Kluivert won two La Liga titles and two Spanish Super Cups. He scored a total of 145 goals in 309 appearances.
Over 800 senior career goals for club and country, the GOAT of soccer has the potential to win a lot with Inter Miami in the next few years. Increasing the club’s popularity, the Argentine superstar has set his eye at the most prestigious club competition in North America. As, Inter Miami have never qualified for the tournament, addition of the soccer veteran makes them a serious contender to win the trophy.
Do you agree with Kluivert’s comments on Messi? Where would you rank Patrick Kluivert on the list of Barcelona’s all time greats? Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section.
