- The Liverpool star has named his top pick as the best player ever in football
- Trent Alexander-Arnold raved about Lionel Messi’s exceptional skills and ability
- The Argentine recently won the Copa America title after beating Colombia
Trent Alexander-Arnold has named Lionel Messi the greatest player to ‘ever play football’ after praising the Argentine’s legendary impact on the game.
The Liverpool star is currently out on an extended summer break following England’s disappointment at the 2024 European Championship finals, but will return for pre-season training at a later date.
However, he still gave his verdict on one of football’s biggest debates when Alexander-Arnold spoke out in an interview with The mirror.
The 25-year-old has played against a number of modern greats during his successful career at Anfield, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, but he has special praise for Messi.
Alexander-Arnold played a central role in Messi’s Champions League defeat to Barcelona in 2019, with Liverpool staging a stunning 4-0 comeback to knock the Catalan giants out of the competition.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has named Lionel Messi the greatest player to ‘ever play the game’
Messi recently added another top title to his palmares after winning the Copa America with Argentina
Messi previously came up with Alexander-Arnold when the Argentine was at Barcelona in 2019
Now he has shown what it is like to play against the Argentina captain who won the World Cup and called him the best footballer in the world above Ronaldo.
“For me it has to be Messi. The best player I think has ever played. I never watched Maradona,” Alexander-Arnold said.
‘To imagine someone better than what I’ve been able to see, my brain doesn’t understand it. There’s no way anyone can be better than Messi.
“It’s just a different feeling playing against him than I’ve ever had against anyone else. You’re always on edge when the ball’s near him. It’s rare that a player can give that feeling to other players.
“He’s probably the best in so many aspects of the game,” he added.
Alexander-Arnold ignored Cristiano Ronaldo and called Messi the greatest talent in football
Alexander-Arnold is currently away on an extended summer break in preparation for the new season
Messi recently added another title to his trophy cabinet by leading Argentina to a second consecutive Copa América title. However, he suffered a serious ankle injury during the final.
Despite his affinity for Messi, Alexander-Arnold could soon shine at a club where many consider Ronaldo to be the best player in the world.
Real Madrid are interested in a potential deal for the Liverpool defender, who may be convinced by the chance to play alongside his England team-mate and good friend Jude Bellingham.
Alecander-Arnold has one year left on his contract at Anfield and is yet to sign a new deal.