Former Uruguay national Enzo Francescoli has hailed Lionel Messi as the greatest player ever, surpassing Diego Maradona, after watching Messi's performance in Argentina's 3-0 win over Uruguay in World Cup qualifying Friday.
The 50-year-old said in a TV interview, "Messi is unique, and personally I believe him to be better than Maradona.
The former River Plate star also had kind words for French legend Zinedine Zidane, who grew up a fan of Francescoli's game while he played in France for Racing Club Paris and Olympique Marseille, and he named his son after the Uruguayan.
“Zidane is a great guy and it is a great gesture that he has put my name to his son," Francescoli said.
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Lionel Messi had his non-official debut with the first team on November 16, 2003 (at 16 years old, 145 days) in a friendly against Porto. Less than a year later he made his official debut against RCD ESpanyol on October 16, 2004 (17 years, 113 days), becoming the third youngest to play with Barcelona.
Photo: AFP
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In the 2005-2006 seasons, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced a change to Messis contract. His salary was increased as part of the first team and it was extended through June 2014. On September 26, 2005, he received Spanish citizenship and just two days later played his first Champions League match, against Udinese. Messi received an ovation from the crowd for his combination play with Ronaldinho.
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In the 2006-2007 season, Messi established himself as a starter on the team, scoring 13 times in 26 matches. On November 12, against Real Zaragoza, Messi suffered an injury that could keep him out of the field for three months.
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During the 2007-2008 season, Messi scored five goals in one week to place Barcelona fourth in La Liga. On September 18 he scored in the 3-0 victory over Lyon in the Champions League. He scored twice against Sevilla on September 22 and two more against Real Zaragoza on September 26. On February 27, he played his 100th game with the team.
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After donning the 10jersey, Messi finished second in FIFAs Best Player of the World award. He scored his first hat trick in 2009 in the Copa del Rey against Atletico Madrid. On February 1, he made history by scoring the teams 5000th goal.
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With Barcelona, Lionel Messi has won five league titles, five Spanish Super Cups, two Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups.
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After winning the UEFA Super Cup in 2009, the Barcelona manager, Pep Guardiola, assured that Messi is the best player he has ever seen. On September 18, 2009 Messi signed an extension through the year 2016 with an opt-out clause of 250 million Euros. On January 16, 2010, at 22 years old, he became the youngest players to reach 100 goals with Barcelona.
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Lionel Messi was named the Second best player in the history of the Champions League, behind Zinedine Zidane, in a Top 5 that included Raul, Xavi Hernanez and Paolo Maldini. The poll included players and journalists as well as people voting on the UEFA page.
Photo: AFP
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With Barcelona, Lionel Messi has won five league titles, five Spanish Super Cups, two Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups.
Photo: AFP
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Lionel Messi had his non-official debut with the first team on November 16, 2003 (at 16 years old, 145 days) in a friendly against Porto. Less than a year later he made his official debut against RCD ESpanyol on October 16, 2004 (17 years, 113 days), becoming the third youngest to play with Barcelona.
Photo: AFP
