The Modern Day Stars Inspired by Lionel Messi
One of the best footballers of all time, Lionel Messi has been the heartbeat of FC Barcelona since his debut in 2003.
The Argentine is the greatest player of his generation, with a wealth of admirers worldwide sporting his name on the back of their replica shirts. But it's not only sports fans who admire the art of Messi's game, plenty of professional footballers do too.
Here's a list of some of the well-known stars who are in awe of the Argentine.
1. Isco
Isco's admiration for Messi dates back to his playing days in Malaga.
The Spaniard went as far as naming his dog after the Barcelona star. He told Goal: "I named my dog 'Messi' because Messi is the best in the world, and so is my dog."
The midfielder later admitted his reluctance at taking 'Messi' on a walk in Madrid after his transfer to Los Blancos, where he would have to call his name in the streets of the Spanish capital. That could get awkward!
2. Alphonso Davies
What a season it has been for the young Canadian left-back. He earned his stripes in Bayern Munich's destructive charge to the Champions League final and went up against his idol in the quarter-final, where he excelled yet again in an 8-2 win.
It's a dream for many fans to have the shirt of an idol, something Davies came so close to at full time. He told BT Sport: "I asked for it [Messi's shirt], but I think he was a little bit upset. Next time, maybe."
3. Lautaro Martinez
Althought the pair already play together at international level, they could soon be playing together at club level too.
Reports have tipped Lautaro Martinez to swap Inter for Barcelona this summer, in a move which would see the forward link up with a man he greatly respects.
Martinez told La Repubblica: "For us Argentines, Leo is as important as Diego Maradona was. It’s something that goes beyond football. He is the best in the world; playing with him in the national team is a privilege.
"He is generous; he shows me his movements, he teaches me to find spaces that apparently do not exist."
4. Christian Pulisic
The American was given the burden of being the 'Eden Hazard replacement' when he arrived at Chelsea, but showed fans reasons to be excited following his performances towards the end of the campaign.
His agility and quick footwork could be compared to his hero Lionel Messi, with Pulisic claiming the Argentine has always been his favourite.
He told ESPN in 2018: "Nothing against Ronaldo because I've seen it first hand, he's an unbelievable player. It's not an easy one [who is better], but I would say Messi because growing up he was always my favourite."
5. Thiago
The Spanish midfielder is reportedly on the move from Bayern Munich after turning down a contract offer, but Thiago's roots are at Barcelona.
Thiago graduated through the 'La Masia' academy alongside Lionel Messi, so he has seen the Argentine up close and personal for many years now.
He told The Guardian in 2015: "He’s spectacular, incredible. He’s playing further from goal and he’s still scored 40 in the league. If he played in goal he’d score 25. There’s no comparison; he’s the best, a competitive animal.
"But just because you recognise that, just because you watch him and think ‘wow’, doesn’t mean that when he’s there in front of you, you won’t try to get the ball off him and play yourself.”
6. Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli has weighed in on who he thinks is the better player between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, because...well, who hasn't?
The forward took to his Instagram story after Barcelona's 3-0 Champions League semi-final first leg win over Liverpool last year to express his views on the matter.
He said: "For the love of football please do not compare him to the No.7 of Juventus anymore!”
Balotelli's message, alongside clapping emojis praising the star's performance, came after a spectacular free kick from the Argentine.
He was a little quieter after the second leg, mind.