There is no doubt that Lionel Messi is considered to be the best ever player by many, and that he has many fans, even among his own rivals. He is even more beloved by his countrymen, who believe that he is their best player ever, especially after winning the World Cup with them.
Messi is so great that many of his rival coaches and players can’t help but appreciate the legend in front of them. He has humiliated his opponents countless times on the pitch, and managers don’t know how to stop him either. And this is best known by one very specific manager in Spain.
Simeone disclosed touchline anecdote involving Lionel Messi
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who is also an Argentine, knows firsthand how much of an impact Lionel Messi has on the pitch. He used to face FC Barcelona regularly in Spain, and Messi was their star player. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner used to almost always score, assist or create something for his team, often foiling Simeone and Atletico’s plans to stop him.
Diego Simeone once shared one such story, in which he refused to celebrate his team’s goals over Barcelona. It was back in the 2015-16 season, with Atletico hosting Barcelona. Lionel Messi was on the bench, a surprising decision by manager Luis Enrique. The second half saw the hosts score an opener through Fernando Torres, and the whole team celebrated it wildly. But Simeone did not celebrate it, which was noticed by many.
🗣️ Reporter: Why didn't you celebrate Torres' goal?
— Stop That Messi (@stopthatmessiii) February 5, 2024
🗣️ Diego Simeone: Because I saw Messi warming up. pic.twitter.com/0xZNJsJUDh
When he was asked why he did not celebrate the goal after the match, he replied simply, “I saw Messi warm up.” Indeed, Messi would be substituted in the 60th minute, and he would immediately make an impact. He would go on to score the winner, which helped the team take home all three points. This story by Simeone shows how great Lionel Messi is, even among his opponents.
Messi received Simeone’s backing in GOAT debate
Diego Simeone has seen firsthand both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch, along with many other greats of the game. He has equally suffered at the hands of both players, but he has a clear winner when it comes to the GOAT debate. It is none other than his countryman, Messi, who Simeone believes is the best ever.
🗣️Diego Simeone : "The best player in the world ? Messi…Messi.. He won the football world cup, what else does he need to do "
— Semper Fi (@SemperFiMessi) September 15, 2023
C: @relevo#Messi #FIFAWorldCup #TheBestpic.twitter.com/7kqlWXhnaU
When recently asked the question, Simeone had to point out the recent World Cup win by Argentina: “Messi, he became world champion. What more does he have to win to continue being the best in the world?” Indeed Messi has won everything in the sport, both in team trophies and individual achievements.
Lionel Messi is currently at Inter Miami, where he is part of their pre-season squad. This means Diego Simeone has one less thing to worry about in Spain and when facing Barcelona.
