Manchester City midfielder Rodri has named Lionel Messi as the greatest footballer of all time, expressing his admiration for the Argentine star’s unmatched skill and dominance on the field.

Rodri, who recently clinched the 2024 Ballon d’Or award for his exceptional performances, spoke candidly about his respect for Messi during an interview with El Hormiguero.

While acknowledging his own prestigious accolade, Rodri highlighted the incredible achievement of Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or an unprecedented eight times—three more than his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, now with Al Nassr.

The Spanish midfielder described the sense of inevitability Messi brings to a game, sharing his own experiences of trying to stop the legendary player on the pitch.

“Zero doubts. For me, Leo Messi is the best player ever,” Rodri said.

“When he received the ball, you knew something dangerous was coming.

I’d try to take the ball away from him, but he’d glide past me like I wasn’t even there.”

Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or wins solidify his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.

From his years dominating at Barcelona to leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and now continuing to shine at Inter Miami, Messi has redefined what it means to be a football icon.

His rivalry with Ronaldo has fueled endless debates, but his consistency, versatility, and sheer brilliance have left even his opponents, like Rodri, in awe.

Rodri’s recognition of Messi’s greatness reflects the respect Messi commands within the football community.

Despite earning his first Ballon d’Or after a stellar season, including guiding Manchester City to a historic treble, Rodri still points to Messi’s long-standing brilliance as the pinnacle of football excellence.