Carlos Puyol: Lionel Messi is already the greatest of all time - but he's still hungry for more

The Spain legend believes his former teammate is still the best, and that it remains a 'joy' to watch him play

Miguel Delaney
Moscow
Thursday 30 November 2017 12:33 EST
Comments
Carlos Puyol won three Champions Leagues alongside Lionel Messi
Carlos Puyol won three Champions Leagues alongside Lionel Messi (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Carlos Puyol says Leo Messi is already the best of all time and doesn't need to win the World Cup to confirm his status - but said it is notable that the Argentine seems to have as much hunger for the top trophies as ever.

Puyol played with Messi at Barcelona between 2005 and 2014 and won three Champions Leagues with him.

As a former World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, he was present in Moscow for the 2018 draw, and emphasised that his former teammate is still the best, and that it remains a "joy" to watch him play.

Asked whether he needs to win the World Cup to be the best ever, Puyol said: "For some, yes. I don’t have any doubt about it. For me, he is the best ever.

"It’s a wonder to see him play, to see him with the same hunger since he first played, to see him enjoying himself like he does when he gets on that pitch, and it’s a pleasure to watch him and an honour to have played with him."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in