Manchester United’s top player Casemiro has hailed Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
Speaking via Albiceleste Talk, the former Real Madrid player upheld Messi’s legendary career and disclosed his admiration for the player.
“Messi made an era and he was always competitive with Barcelona and Argentina and there was no way out”, he said.
“Whoever loves football will love Messi. It was a pleasure to play against him.”
Having played against the Argentine legend severally at national team level with Brazil and club level with Real Madrid, Casemiro registered his admiration of the record 7 times Ballon d’Or winner.
It is rare for a footballer from the Real Madrid extraction, Barcelona arch-rivals, to hail Leo but the Brazil and Real Madrid legend disclosed that Messi is football’s greatest gift that should be liked by all who likes football.
Lionel Messi style of play
Lionel Messi has developed into one of the greatest players football has ever known. His split-pace flicks and turns, ability to read the game and navigate though tight spaces with sensational dribbles has made him an envy of other playmakers.
The Rosario-born footballer has evolved into a complete player, a perfect definition of a playmaker thanks to Guardiola’s possession-based football at Barcelona.
Combining his experience and stature which makes him less susceptible to gravity, Messi can turn at both directions easily with speed although he is a left-footer. His vision and positioning skills allows him navigate tight spaces and create chances for his teammates.
Apart from his playmaking roles, Lionel Messi also had an enduring knack for goals. He does not only create chances for goals but he is also a prolific goal-scorer himself.
Casemiro style of play
Regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Casemiro is known for his strength combined with good technical skills which made him a tough player to beat with his hard-tackling and good work rate.
Casemiro was described as a destroyer by Real Madrid fans due to his extremely combative and fierce tackles. Casemiro’s success as a great holding midfielder has been linked to his positioning skills and ability to perfectly read the game and anticipate next moves.
Before joining Manchester United, Casemiro was an integral part of the defunct, ‘Real Madrid Bermuda Triangle’ comprising of Toni Kross, Luka Modric, and Casemiro.
Together, the trio won five Champions League, three La Liga, and three Copa Del Rey titles, including UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cups.
Casemiro and Lionel Messi duels
Casemiro and Lionel are two best midfield versions in modern football with contrasting roles. While Casemiro casts a towering and intimidating shadow in holding midfield, Lionel Messi is a sensation in attacking midfield.
Manchester United fans are relishing their £60m fee for Casemiro. At Old Trafford, he is known as ‘Brazil Brick Wall’
Casemiro and Lionel Messi have gone against each other on several occasions.
Casemiro was a genius when it comes to reading Lionel Messi’s quick, stealthy and magical moves. He knew exactly how to dispossess the tricky baller but had also failed at times.
In his last Champions League outing with Real Madrid in 2022, Casemiro got the better of Lionel Messi, expertly and nicely dispossessing him in one of the duels.
He has also failed at times to track Messi’s magical turns. But in all the pair are midfield greats.
