Lionel Messi believes Tottenham star Cristian Romero is the best defender in the world and insists Ange Postecoglou also has the ‘next Luis Suarez’ on his hands. Messi is a huge fan of Argentina team-mates Romero and Alejo Veliz, the latter of whom has been integrated into Postecoglou’s first team after signing in the summer transfer window.
Romero has split opinion among Premier League fans, often being criticised for his aggressive approach to matches. He was sent off in Spurs’ 4-1 defeat by Chelsea in November and could have seen red in the victory by the same scoreline against Newcastle last weekend.
However, legendary forward Messi insists that the defender is one of the best in the world. Speaking after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador in September, the Inter Miami star said of Romero: “For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match.”
And in excellent news for Spurs fans, Messi also has high hopes for striker Veliz. The 20-year-old has played in five Premier League games but is yet to score after completing a £13m summer transfer from Rosario Central.
Messi, 36, is positive about the future of Argentinian football and believes there is a succession line in place once he retires. He compared Veliz’s playing style to that of former Liverpool and Barcelona ace Suarez.
“[Roman] Vega, [Maximo] Perrone, and especially Veliz,” Messi said of Argentina’s best young players. “Watching him play reminds me of what Suarez used to play like. I am very excited for the future of this country, and hope I can be an influence to these people, and talk to him.”
Veliz is highly rated by Spurs and is expected to be a star of the future. Whether he will reach the heights of Uruguay ace Suarez remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, the real Suarez could be set for a reunion with best friend Messi in 2024. The 36-year-old has cut short his spell with Gremio and has been strongly linked with a move to David Beckham-owned Inter Miami.
Suarez would join fellow former Barca colleagues Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at the MLS outfit. Beckham has reportedly been keen to get some of Messi’s closest friends to join the franchise to help the forward settle.
Speaking about a potential move to Miami, Suarez said earlier this month: “It could be a possibility. I have the best player in the world, a great friend. I didn’t want to know anything until the Brasileirao was over.”
