1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic thinks he is better than Messi and Ronaldo technically. The 41-year-old admits that the pair have more titles than him, but insists they cannot compare to him in terms of skill.
He once said through Football Italia: “If you talk about inner quality, they are no better than me. If we look at the titles, then yes, I did not win the Champions League. But deep down, I think that I’m the best in the world.”
Ibra is still playing at the age of 41.
When talking about the Ballon d’Or, Ibra said: “I don’t need the Ballon d’Or to know I’m the best.”
There will be many arguments with this opinion, but it is a fact that at the age of 41, it is unlikely that Messi and Ronaldo can compete in Serie A like Ibra at this time.
2. Hatem Ben Arfa
Former Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa is another player who experts believe he can reach a level close to Messi.
Ben Arfa expressed regret when thinking about the past. Speaking to Le 10 Sport, the French player once confessed: “I regret not having matured earlier because I think today I have developed to a higher level. Maybe I will be like Lionel Messi But I still have time, I can catch up.”
However, the truth is that Ben Arfa is always at his potential. He was suspended by Lille after getting into a heated argument with coach Jocelyn Gourvennec.
3. Wesley Sneijder
Sneijder gained unbelievable weight after retiring.
Inter Milan legend Wesley Sneijder was once expected to break the two-horse race between Ronaldo and Messi. However, he frankly said that he was not interested in it.
The former Dutch midfielder shared with reporter Gianluca di Marzio: “I could have been like Messi or Ronaldo. I simply don’t feel like it. I enjoy my life, maybe I like it. drink a glass [rượu vang] in dinner. Leo and Cristiano are different, they sacrifice a lot.”
4. Antonio Cassano
Cassano thinks that his talent is superior and can sit on the same tray with Messi or Neymar. However, like Ben Arfa, having an unhealthy lifestyle off the pitch caused Cassano to drop very quickly.
Via Reddit, the once famous Italian striker confided: “If I had another copy, I would have played on Mars. I would be like Lionel Messi, Neymar and a few others.”
Cassano’s indiscipline at club and national team was so remarkable that manager Fabio Capello coined the term “cassata”. It was later understood to be a word to describe “any conduct that is not in keeping with the spirit of sportsmanship.”
5. Mohamed Salah
Earlier this year, Salah boldly declared himself the best striker in the world.
During the ceremony to receive the FWA (Football Journalists Association’s award for the best player of the year), the Egyptian striker said: “If you compare me to any player in the striker position, Not only in the team (Liverpool) but all over the world, you’ll see I’m the best.”
Salah is undeniably a “saint” in Egypt and has helped Liverpool to many precious titles, but he is still a long way from reaching the level of Messi or Ronaldo.
Crouching Dragon | 10:35 December 26, 2022
