The iconic Barca star praised the Argentine and has hailed Messi’s qualities, saying that the 29-year-old is the ‘best’ and has nothing to prove to anyone – despite criticism of his achievements at international level.
Messi was crowned Player of the Tournament at the 2014 World Cup but Argentina ultimately lost out to Germany.
And the little magician also tasted defeat in a major international final for the fourth time at the 2016 Copa America – a loss which hurt Messi so much he announced his retirement as a Argentina player – only to later go back on his decision.
But this is in no way a blotch on the resume of the nation’s all-time top scorer, believes close friend Ronaldinho.
“He demonstrates he’s the best every day, every week. There is no need for him to show anything more at the World Cup,” the two-time World Player of the Year told Sport360 at the official launch of the Ronaldinho Soccer Academy (RSA), managed by DUPLAYS, in Dubai.
Ronaldinho, who helped nurture Messi’s incredible talent through the Nou Camp ranks – famously assisting him for his first Catalan goal as a 17-year-old against Albacete in May 2005 – still relishes the memories they had together over three seasons, wishing they could have played together longer.
Look out for more video content from Ronaldinho’s visit to Dubai on Sport360.com on Sunday.
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