Many things have contributed to the Blaugrana’ssuccess, including their excellent academy program, dedicated fan base, fresh approach to the game, and stellar roster of superstars.These players will go down in football lore as some of the bestever thanks to their extraordinary skill, leadership, and charisma.

With so many legendary players having worn the Barcajersey, picking an all-time greatest XI is no easy feat. As a result, supporters have usedChatGPTto assemble a squad thatwould representeverything that makes the Spanish club so special.

What is Barcelona’sbest XI of all timeaccording toChatGPT?

The renowned Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been selected to startbetween thesticks, as perTwitter account total Barça.Carles Puyol, Ronald Koeman, Gerard Pique, and Migueli, all of whom are now retired, make up the back four.

Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, and Johan Cruyff—three of the Blaugrana’s all-time finest players—form a formidable trio in the middle of the field.Modern club hero Lionel Messishares the starting lineup with the late Laszlo Kubala. An intriguing selection is Ronaldo Nazario, whoseadventurein Catalonia lasted all of one season (1996–1997).

Having played for Real Madrid for a total of five seasons at Santiago Bernabeu, he is widely regarded as a Los Blancos legend, rather than a Barcelona great. Either one ofRonaldinho, Neymar, or Luis Suarezcould have perhapsbeen a better option.Dani Alves,Rafael Marquez,Rivaldo,Romario,Sergio Busquets,and many more are just a few of the greats that weren’t included.

The change in the criteria means there is a strong candidate to win the prize, and that is Karim Benzema. Last season, the French superstar took all the limelight by leading Real Madrid to a memorable UEFA Champions League success and a La Liga title.

With Lionel Messi not even making the 30-man shortlist, it doesn’t look like Benzema will have to face stiff competition to claim the Golden Ball. Still, Barcelona legend Carles Puyol believes there’s another star who deserves it more than Karim.

Carles Puyol doesn’t name Karim Benzema as favorite for 2022 Ballon d’Or

“Lewandowski deserves the Ballon D’or,” Puyol said during the sixth edition of the XAP charity paddle tennis tournament, via Barca Universal. However, he did show praise for the Real Madrid striker.“Benzema and Lewandowski are the best strikers in the world. Karim has been putting Madrid on his back since Cristiano left and Lewandowski has been incredible at Bayern.”

Puyol captained Barcelona for nearly a decade and also wore the armband of the Spanish national team that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, so it’s always interesting to hear his opinion.

It’s safe to say that Robert Lewandowski should havewon a Ballon d’Or by now. Most people – including Lionel Messi – agree that he deserved to win in 2020 had the ceremony not been canceled. In fact, many felt it was unfair that the Argentine was chosen over Lewy in 2021.

Thatsaid, the 2022 award should belong to Benzema. He was undoubtedly the most impactful player of the season, scoring in crucial moments to fireReal Madrid to their 14th Champions League title.

Messi sent a letter to the club officials telling them his final decision. Fans, players and even former club’s presidents reacted on social media and sports programs, and one of them was Barcalegend Puyol, who was Messi’s teammate for 10 years in Barcelona’s first team.

Meanwhile, Suárez, who was told by Barcelona new manager Ronald Koemanthat he would not be needed for next season, replied to Puyol’s message. But Puyol and Suárez were not the only well-known players whowrotemessages on their social media accounts.

Carles Puyol’s message to Lionel Messi

“Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend,” wrote Puyol on his Twitter official account. Suárez showed his support by replying the message. This will be the end of an era for Barcelona, with Messi and Suárez both leaving the club.

Players react to Messi’ decision

Players from different parts of the world reacted to Lionel Messi’s decision to leave Barcelona and wrote messages on their social media accounts. Luis Figo, Rio Ferdinand, Luis García and Gary Lineker are some of them.