A Quote by Ernesto Valverde

When Messi plays the ball, everybody expects many things from him. Sometimes it's too much because we have to let Messi breathe a bit.

Ernesto Valverde

Quote Topics

Ball Because Bit Breathe Everybody Expects Him Many Messi Much Plays Sometimes Things Too Too Much

Quote Author

Ernesto Valverde
Spanish - Athlete
Born: February 9, 1964

Messi plays in Spain, we know he makes a difference, but if you've played against him then maybe you're aware of situations that can repeat on the pitch. But Messi is Messi, with his talent, he may send a spark with very little and make the difference. He is unpredictable.

Didier Deschamps

Messi is not really from Barca's ranks. What they did was sign the most talented kid in the whole of Argentina! Messi was already Messi when he arrived at Barcelona - they simply polished him. Cristiano Ronaldo is already too old to learn and change the way he is. When he was 13, someone should have sent him home when he didn't behave properly.

Javier Clemente

Messi or Cristiano - Speed? Cristiano. Shot? Cristiano. Dribbling? Messi. Intelligence? Messi. Talent? Messi. Winner is Messi!

Usain Bolt

It is possible to stop Messi. Teams do it when he plays for Argentina. But the Barcelona Messi is different.

Lothar Matthaus

People say that Rooney could have been like Lionel Messi, a more prolific goalscorer who dribbles past opponents more. But they are different characters. You will never see Messi snapping around the heels of an opponent to win the ball back deep in his own half. Wayne does that all the time, and sometimes that enthusiasm will count against him.

Paul Scholes

Messi is the best in the world. Cristiano is a goalscorer. Messi is more taltented, more complete, tactically and footballwise. Cristiano isn't doing those runs anymore like at United. Messi takes more part in the game, I'd always prefer him in my team.

Cesc Fabregas

Every time he plays, Leo Messi reminds me more of Maradona, both left-footed and short, Messi is the best player in the world, along with Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo. For us it is not a surprise. Since he began to come and train with us and we knew we would go down this path. Someday I will explain that I was at the birth of one of the footballing greats: Leo Messi.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

I can win the Ballon d'Or, but only if Messi's level drops a bit. It will be very complicated to do so if he keeps up his current form. I really believe I can win the award, but there's not much I can do if Messi maintains this level.

Mario Balotelli

Ronaldo could play for Millwall, QPR, Doncaster Rovers or anyone and he'd score a hat-trick. I'm not sure Messi could do it. Ronaldo's got two feet, he's quick, he's good in the air and he's brave, though Messi's brave too of course. I just think Messi is a Barcelona player.

Alex Ferguson

When people mention me and Messi together, it's amazing because, to me, Messi is the best of the best. You can't say anything to him; he's the boss.

Riyad Mahrez

Messi or Ronaldo? I prefer Messi because he is more of a street player.

Vicente del Bosque

Never tackle, never go down, we've heard it over and over again. You have to try to keep Messi away from the goal and block him with multiple players while being as close to him as possible. He is too quick, too fast, too intense with the ball.

Per Mertesacker

Messi is the best player in the world, the things he does with the ball are incredible. If someone knows how to stop him, they have to tell me.

Javier Zanetti

I like Messi because he doesn't think he is Messi.

Eduardo Galeano

Cristiano is an explosive type of player, with great technique, but he's still not as gifted as Messi in my opinion. Messi is more of a genius than Cristiano. Cristiano is so strong physically, so powerful, but Messi has more creativity.