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Andrés Iniesta Hands Lionel Messi The Ultimate Compliment

Andrés Iniesta Hands Lionel Messi The Ultimate Compliment

The Spaniard has hailed the Barcelona ace.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Andres Iniesta handed Lionel Messi the ultimate compliment.

Iniesta is one of Spain's most respected and experienced footballers ever with 437 appearances for Barcelona and 125 for Spain's national team.

Iniesta hands over the captains armband to Messi. Image: PA
Iniesta hands over the captains armband to Messi. Image: PA

In an interview with RAC1 to commemorate his 22 years with the Blaugrana, Iniesta described Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi as the best player he has ever seen.

The 34-year-old midfielder made it clear that he believed the Ballon d'Or and trophies alike don't have much to do with who is the best player in the world, but who is the people's favourite.

As per a report by Football Espana, Iniesta said: "Messi is definitely the best I've seen on a football pitch and there is nobody else like him."

He added: "The Ballon d'Or is a result of people who judge and then vote; it's a very nice prize that whoever wins it likes to have, but it doesn't have much to do with who is the best player.

"Prizes are not football, they are part of football."

Messi and Iniesta celebrate. Image: PA
Messi and Iniesta celebrate. Image: PA

The contest between Messi and Ronaldo is a never-ending duel with both players now proud owners of 5 Ballon d'or's each.

Iniesta will have to fight his teammates battle for him as he will come toe to toe with 'CR7' in Spain's first World Cup fixture against Euro 2016 winners Portugal.

Messi and Argentina have what should be a routine first game against England's old foe Iceland on the 16th June.

Would you agree with Iniesta? Who would you say is the best you've ever seen? Let us know in the comments below.

Words by Joel Greasley.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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