Javier Mascherano believes Lionel Messi would have been one of the best in the world in a very different position.
Messi is now starring for MLS side Inter Miami, and has recently been nominated for the league’s MVP award after claiming 17 goals and 15 assists in just 18 games.
But the Argentine superstar, who is widely regarded as football’s GOAT, spent the majority of his career showing off his attacking qualities at Barcelona.
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Mascherano played alongside Messi for eight years at the Camp Nou, and the pair were also teammates at international level for Argentina.
The pair faced off in 1v1 drills during training sessions at Barcelona, and following that chastening experience Mascherano became convinced that Messi could have made it at the highest level even as a defender.
Mascherano said: “If Lionel Messi were a defender, he would be one of the best in the world. At Barcelona, we sometimes played 1v1 and it was impossible to dribble past him. Sometimes, attackers know how to defend. Leo defended very well because he was very fast."
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And he isn’t the only one who believes Messi has all the qualities to succeed at the back.
Pep Guardiola managed Messi at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012, and the pair won two Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles together.
Messi scored 211 goals across all competitions during that extraordinary four year spell, but his manager would have happily played him as a left back.
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Speaking in 2013, Guardiola revealed: "Messi wins the ball playing as the false No.9. If you put him at left-back, he would be just as good. He is the best defender in the world."
The current Manchester City boss grew up idolising Diego Maradona, but he refused to be drawn on who he would name as the greatest ever to play the game.
He added: "Maradona was my idol as a child. But, do not ask me such a typical question as to who is the best."
Topics: Lionel Messi, Barcelona
Alex Chivers