It is safe to say that Real Madrid fans are not too fond of Lionel Messi. For close to two decades, the Argentine represented Los Blancos’ biggest rivals, Barcelona. And he certainly was a decisive player when the two sides met, as proven by the fact that he holds the record for both most goals and most assists in El Clasico history.
So, while Messi will understandably never be a popular figure amongst Real Madrid fans, the Argentine is certainly respected for his greatness on a football pitch, especially as his career winds down and he is 35 years of age now, playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup.
Messi has performed very well at the World Cup too, winning several Man of the Match awards, as Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition, where they will take on Croatia.
He put in a classic performance against Netherlands as well, both scoring and assisting in the 2-2 draw, before making no mistake from the spot during penalties. And after the match, Argentine journalist and Federico Valverde’s partner, Mina Bonino, declared him the best player in world history.
Real Madrid star’s partner calls Lionel Messi the best player in history
Posting a picture of Messi with his Man of the Match award, Bonino wrote on her Twitter:
"The photo that is constantly repeated, all matches. And he even gave it up in one. NOBODY can deny that he is the best player in world history. Even at 35 years old, with a pass he totally changes the game. It is at an impressive level."
Perhaps expectedly, Bonino’s tweet did not go down too well with some Real Madrid and Uruguayan fans.
At the end of the day though, it is her opinion. And when you consider what Messi has achieved through the course of his career – playing for the likes of the Argentina national team, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain – you have to certainly put the Argentine in the conversation for being the best player in history, no matter where you end up ranking him.