Which Footballers Are Messi Fans? Exploring the Love for the GOAT
The Messi Effect: Why So Many Footballers Admire Him
Honestly, it's hard to find a footballer who doesn't admire Lionel Messi. I mean, come on, how could you not? Messi is often considered the greatest player to ever grace the football field, and his magical left foot has inspired countless players across the globe. But what’s fascinating is that many professional footballers, even those at the top of their game, openly express their admiration for Messi. They might be fierce competitors on the field, but when it comes to Messi, they all seem to agree on one thing: he's a genius.
In this article, we’ll dive into which footballers have openly expressed their admiration for Messi and what makes him so universally admired. Trust me, there are some surprising names on this list.
1. Neymar Jr.: From Teammates to True Fans
Well, let’s start with someone who knows Messi better than most: Neymar Jr. The Brazilian forward played alongside Messi at FC Barcelona, and their partnership on the pitch was simply magical. But beyond the assists and goals, Neymar has often gushed about how much he looks up to Messi, not just as a teammate, but as a person. In numerous interviews, Neymar has called Messi the best player in the world, and even though they were rivals after Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain, he continues to praise Messi’s football intelligence.
a) Neymar’s admiration for Messi
Neymar has said that Messi’s ability to read the game and deliver in clutch moments is what sets him apart from everyone else. And honestly, when you think about it, Neymar has probably seen Messi’s brilliance up close, making his praise even more genuine. I remember Neymar’s emotional farewell to Messi when he left Barcelona. It was clear how much Messi meant to him, not just as a teammate but as a source of inspiration.
b) The Brazilian connection
Messi's influence is even felt in Neymar's home country of Brazil, where fans and fellow footballers alike hold Messi in high regard. Neymar continues to refer to Messi as a mentor and someone who taught him invaluable lessons about the game.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Rival Who Respects Messi
I know, I know... you probably thought I was going to skip this one. Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have been rivals for over a decade, with both players frequently compared to one another. But here's the thing: even Cristiano Ronaldo, the man who has dominated football alongside Messi for so long, has never shied away from acknowledging Messi's greatness.
a) Respect between two legends
Honestly, their rivalry is fascinating because, despite everything, there's a lot of respect between the two. Ronaldo has called Messi an “amazing player,” and even though they compete for the same individual awards year after year, Ronaldo has often stated that Messi is a player he greatly respects. I think it’s fascinating how these two titans, who have dominated football for over 15 years, continue to support each other’s greatness, even if they compete for titles.
b) Public admiration
I remember after winning his Ballon d'Or in 2017, Ronaldo said that Messi’s consistency in being at the top for so long made him a true legend. So, yeah, despite their fierce rivalry, there's no denying the mutual respect these two share.
3. Sergio Agüero: Messi's Best Friend and Biggest Fan
Honestly, when I think of Messi’s fans, one of the first names that comes to mind is his best friend, Sergio Agüero. The two have been close for years, both on and off the field. Agüero has been a regular member of Argentina’s squad alongside Messi, and he’s seen firsthand just how extraordinary Messi’s talent is.
a) A lifelong admiration
Agüero, who has played with Messi at FC Barcelona and on the Argentina national team, has often spoken about how Messi is an inspiration to him. Agüero has even mentioned that playing alongside Messi has been one of the greatest experiences of his career, often joking that it’s a pleasure (and sometimes a challenge) to pass the ball to a player of Messi’s caliber.
b) The friendship bond
What’s interesting is that beyond the football pitch, Agüero and Messi share a strong friendship. They’ve supported each other through various personal and professional moments, which only adds weight to Agüero's admiration for Messi. Their bond is something that goes beyond just playing together—it’s built on a deep respect and shared experiences.
4. Kylian Mbappé: The Young Messi Fan
Okay, now here’s where things get interesting. Kylian Mbappé, one of the brightest young stars in world football, has expressed his admiration for Messi numerous times. Mbappé, who was born in the same era as Messi’s rise to dominance, has often mentioned how much he looks up to Messi’s game.
a) Messi as a role model
Mbappé has said that Messi is one of the players he admired growing up. In interviews, he’s talked about how much he learned by watching Messi's technique, vision, and finishing ability. I think it’s cool to see a young player, who has already accomplished so much, still looking up to someone as inspirational as Messi.
b) Competing with Messi
Even though Mbappé and Messi now share the same club at Paris Saint-Germain, it’s clear that the young Frenchman still respects Messi as a mentor. Mbappé has been vocal about how much it means to him to be playing alongside Messi, and he’s even stated that he feels fortunate to learn from one of the greatest players of all time.
5. Other Notable Messi Fans
There are plenty of other players who admire Messi, even if they haven’t publicly declared it. Zlatan Ibrahimović, for example, has often stated that Messi is the best player he has ever faced. Similarly, players like David Beckham, Luis Suárez, and even Mohamed Salah have all expressed their respect and admiration for Messi in interviews.
Conclusion: Messi's Global Impact on Footballers
Honestly, it’s amazing to see how many top-tier footballers look up to Lionel Messi. From Neymar’s heartfelt admiration to Mbappé’s respectful awe, Messi’s influence extends beyond just his ability to score goals. His vision, leadership, and consistency are qualities that have earned him the respect of players from different generations and teams.
Whether they are teammates, rivals, or just young stars, Messi continues to inspire the footballing world. His legacy isn’t just about the titles and records—it’s about the respect he’s earned from the greatest players in the game. So, the next time you watch Messi play, just remember: he's not just admired by fans, but by footballers at the top of their game too.
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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
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