Despite Lionel Messi missing out on the top 30 Ballon d’Or shortlist this year, Harry Kane believes the Argentine remains the best player in the world.
Source: Hindustan Times
“Lionel Messi. He’s had a fantastic Copa America again and he is still playing at real high level,” Kane said.
Meanwhile, after scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia, Messi dropped a bombshell that he is at the fag end of his career though he asserted that he has not set any deadline for his future.
Lionel Messi continues to reign over the football world, recently guiding Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield in his first full season with the club. Despite leaving Europe, the Argentine legend has maintained his incredible form. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has delivered back-to-back hat-tricks—first against Bolivia in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and then against New England Revolution in the MLS.
Messi’s brilliance helped Miami set a new MLS single-season points record with a dominant 6-2 victory over New England Revolution. Miami (22-4-8, 74 points) surpassed the previous record of 73 points, held by the 2021 Revolution squad.
Although Messi won the Ballon d’Or last year, he surprisingly didn’t make the top 30 shortlist this year after his move away from European football. Yet, England captain Harry Kane remains convinced that Messi is still the best player in the world.
In a Q&A session with Goal, Bayern Munich forward Kane was asked, “Who is the best player in the world right now?” Without hesitation, he named Messi, praising the recent Copa America winner for his continued excellence.
“Lionel Messi. He had a fantastic Copa America again, and he is still playing at an incredibly high level,” Kane remarked.
After his hat-trick against Bolivia, Messi made headlines with a candid admission that he is nearing the end of his career, though he emphasized that he hasn’t set a specific timeline for his retirement.
“I haven’t set any dates or deadlines for my future; I’m just enjoying the moment,” Messi told reporters. “I’m more emotional than ever and soaking in all the love from the fans because I know these could be my last games.”
Reflecting on his current phase with the Argentina national team, Messi expressed how being surrounded by younger teammates has rejuvenated his passion for the game.
“It’s a joy to be here and to appreciate this moment. Being with younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again,” Messi shared. “I find myself doing playful things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I keep feeling this way and can contribute to the team, I’ll continue to enjoy my time with the national team,” he added.
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