Soccer

Lionel Messi names the best defender in the world

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has recently named the player he considers as the best defender on the planet.

Updated on
September 15, 2023 05:17PM EDT

Even at 36, Lionel Messi continues to be one of, if not the most influential soccer player on Earth. The Argentine superstar shocked everyone by joining Inter Miami, but he immediately turned MLS around.

Shortly after shining at the World Cup in Qatar, Messi is proving everyone he still has a lot left in the tank. Apart from making an impact in the US, he once again shone for his country in the Conmebol Qualifiers.

Last week, Leo scored a free-kick goal to give the reigning world champions the victory against Ecuador. But in his post-game interview Messi didn’t talk about himself. Instead, he praised one of his teammates.

Lionel Messi says Cristian Romero is the world’s best defender

“For me, he is the best defender in the world right now,” Messi said about Argentine center-back Cristian Romero. “Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.”

Romero had a fantastic performance that night, but he’s been playing at an incredible level for a while. The Tottenham defender made a name for himself at the 2021 Copa America, playing a pivotal role in Argentina’s success. Eventually, he became a pivotal member of the world champions.

$Argentina\'s hilarious strategy to get Lionel Messi on the bench vs. Bolivia$

How much did Tottenham pay for Cristian Romero?

Tottenham signed Cristian Romero on loan from Atalanta in the summer of 2021, and only a year later made the move permanent for €50 million.

How old is Cristian Romero?

Born in April 27, 1998, Cristian Romero is 25 years old.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.