Former Barcelona player names his pick for the best player of history

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated global soccer for more than a decade, cementing their status as two of the greatest players of their generation. Their names consistently fuel the debate over who deserves the title of the greatest of all time. Now, a former FC Barcelona player has weighed in. In a recent interview, he shared his opinion on who he believes stands alone as the best player in football history.

”It’s one of the best things that happened to me in my career, sharing a dressing room with him (Lionel Messi) for many years, it’s incredible, it’s a continuous learning experience as a professional, and above all, as a teammate, in the end, he’s the best player in history for me and for many people,” stated Marc Bartra.

Lionel Messi did not just play for FC Barcelona, he defined an era. The Argentine star led the club through its most successful period. He became the cornerstone in Barça’s modern history. That included the historic sextuple in the 2009–10 season and the treble in 2014–15 season. Besides, Messi won two Ballon d’Or awards during those years. These honors cemented his reputation as the best player in the world.

Meanwhile, Marc Bartra never played a starring role at Camp Nou. He came through La Masia and spent most of his time as a supporting player. Still, he had the rare privilege of playing alongside Messi. The two shared the pitch for 4,247 minutes. In that span, they combined for seven goal contributions. That was the highest total Bartra ever recorded with any teammate. It shows how Messi raised the level of those around him, no matter their role.

Neymar (2ndL) of FC Barcelona celebrates with his teammates (L-R) Marc Bartra, Lionel Messi and Sergio Roberto scoring the opening goal during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Camp Nou on January 8, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.

Lionel Messi continues to shine at a high level in MLS

At 37 years old, Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations. Since arriving in Major League Soccer, the Argentine icon has delivered consistently elite performances. In just 49 appearances, he has racked up 42 goals and 21 assists, becoming Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer.

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Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami struggled to stay competitive, often falling short of even challenging for a playoff spot. The roster lacked the quality to contend, but that changed the moment Messi stepped onto the pitch. His presence elevated the club’s standards almost overnight, transforming them into legitimate contenders. Last season, the team topped the Western Conference and clinched a postseason berth.

Although their playoff run ended early with a loss to Atlanta United, optimism remains high in Miami. This year, Javier Mascherano is determined to guide the team toward its first-ever championship.