Despite Earlier GOAT Debate Snub, Lionel Messi Stands Alone As Toughest Opponent, Admits Real Madrid Star

Published 04/15/2024, 9:37 AM EDT

Times are moving on in European soccer, but the legacy of its stars remains. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have moved to the USA and Saudi Arabia, respectively. But they have left a lasting imprint on Europe. Notably, Real Madrid and France’s rising superstar, Eduardo Camavinga, have reiterated their impetus. After choosing an ex-Real Madrid legend as the GOAT, he now expressed about Lionel Messi’s competitiveness.

Despite being a rival player, Camavinga chose the Argentine player as his toughest opponent ever! In an interview with Oh My Goal Franc, Camavinga was asked who the best player he ever faced was. The midfielder responded by saying, “It’s Messi. He is someone who doesn’t run a lot, but when he touches the ball, you feel the difference, and he is of a very high level above others. All players who have faced him can testify,” citing he isn’t the only one who felt that way.

Fans must be aware of La Pulga’s impact, but coming from both a club and an international primary rival is commendable. Camavinga may have arrived on the senior soccer scene a few years ago but had a couple of chances to play against Messi as a substitute. The most famous was their encounter in the 2022 World Cup final, where France lost. However, the 21-year-old provided a master class during their UEFA Champions League clash in 2022 when Real Madrid clawed back from a tight deficit to beat PSG.

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On the other hand, a few Los Blancos players have had a similar opinion. Former club superstar Marcelo also labeled the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner as his troublesome opponent. Nevertheless, Camavinga’s GOAT was definitely from Bernabeu instead of the former Barcelona star.

Eduardo Camavinga shockingly snubbed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the GOATs

Camavinga moved to Real Madrid in 2021, three years after Cristiano Ronaldo left. Additionally, even Lionel Messi moved away from FC Barcelona when he arrived. Hence, when the time arrived to select the GOAT, he went for his compatriot, Karim Benzema, over Ronaldo and Messi. Both the players played for two seasons until Benzema left for Al Ittihad last summer. The Real Madrid youngster was grateful that Benzema helped him during his tenure.

Nevertheless, the player himself is making a mark. Playing a vital role for Carlo Ancelotti, he was instrumental in Real Madrid drawing Manchester City in the UCL game recently. But can he emulate the legends in his career ahead? Only time will reveal.

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Written by:

Ruthu is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. Growing up in a sporting background, he found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian team. Ruthu brings an out-of-the-box perspective with writing, as he possesses the ability to view the game from different critical angles, a skill that sets apart a sports journalist.

Edited by:

Jacob Gijy

Despite Earlier GOAT Debate Snub, Lionel Messi Stands Alone As Toughest Opponent, Admits Real Madrid Star

Eduardo Camavinga shockingly snubbed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the GOATs

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