‘For me, he is the best of all time, without any discussion’
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Ander Herrera insists Lionel Messi is the best footballer in history and believes he would get criticised unless he scores 50 goals a season.
Messi endured a difficult debut campaign in Paris after his shock move from Barcelona last summer, scoring just six goals in Ligue 1. However, he did register 11 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
Despite this, former Manchester United midfielder Herrera thinks that his goals total could have been much higher had he not hit the woodwork 10 times, and that there was no doubt in his mind about Messi being the greatest player of all time.
“You are asking for 50 goals per season. From there, if he doesn’t score them, people talk,” he told Spanish outlet AS.
“Nor should we forget that Leo has had the all-time record in Ligue 1 – he has hit the post 10 times! If he had scored 10 more goals, it would [have] been a very good season for Leo.
“But for me, he is the best of all time, without any discussion. Now I admire him even more for how he manages his day to day life with total humility, [and] always with a smile for people.”
Ander Herrera: “For me Messi is the best ever without any discussion. I now like him more because of the way he conducts his daily life with complete humility, always bringing a smile to people.” pic.twitter.com/J8OZyuG47l
— J. 🇵🇸 (@Messilizer) June 23, 2022
Herrera backs Mbappe to help Messi next season
The Spaniard also believes that French forward Kylian Mbappe can help to get the best out of Messi next season.
He added: “Kylian can get a lot out of Leo. He is going to put the ball in the right place and with his speed he will go toe-to-toe with the goalkeeper, where he is lethal.
“Perhaps Messi is no longer (needing) 50 goals at the present time. It’s like Cristiano (Ronaldo), they never lower their level.”
Herrera made 28 appearances for PSG last season, registering four goals and two assists.
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