Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has praised Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the most complete player in the history of football.
The Argentine scored twice in Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Champions League as Ernesto Valverde’s side advanced to the tournament’s quarter-final stages with a 4-1 win on aggregate over the Blues.
Lampard lauded Messi for his dribbling and array of twists and turns but also for producing key moments in big games.
“From the start of the game you just sensed that this was always going to be the man who was going to change the game,” said Lampard on BT Sport.
Lampard: "The most complete player in history."@GaryLineker: "He brings joy to the game."@rioferdy5: "I played twice in two finals against Messi, didn't lay a finger on him."
We're lucky to be able to watch Lionel Messi play 😍 pic.twitter.com/v097SxX8jP
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2018
“Not only is he a genius on the ball that toys with defenders that dribbles and twists and turns, but the critical stuff, the really efficient stuff where he either scores goals or assists goals, he does brilliantly as well.
“As an attacking player, the most complete player in history. For sure, at least that I’ve seen live. Without a doubt.”
Former Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker added that he’s the best player he’s seen across a variety of areas as the 30-year-old registered his 100th goal in the Champions League in just 123 games – 14 games fewer than it took the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He’s the best dribbler I’ve ever seen, he’s the best passer I’ve ever seen and he scores as many goals as anyone I’ve ever seen,” said Lineker.
