JAKARTA - Former Barcelona and Real Madrid player, Robert Prosinecki praised Lionel Messi as high as the sky. He even compared the Los Blaugrana captain with athletes from other sports. A real comparison is not apple to apple.
Initially, the former Croatian national team playmaker said Messi played a different football from other players and beat Diego Maradona and Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima. However, he later declared La Pulga to be superior to United States basketball superstar and Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan.
There is no doubt, said Prosinecki, the Barcelona and Argentina maestro is the best player of all time. In an interview with Stats Perform News he stated that Messi, who has scored more than 600 goals for Barcelona, was still at the top level when the career of Chicago Bulls legend and six-time NBA champion Jordan were at the same level.
"It's different, basketball and football. But Messi is definitely the best for me," said Prosinecki.
"He is a player who has made a difference over the years at Barcelona. He has won everything he can win. He scored a lot of goals and also provided assists many times. He plays different football from other players."
Prosinecki understands that there are those who consider Messi's compatriot and Argentine legend Maradona the greatest player and two-time World Cup champion Ronaldo Luiz.
Prosinecki and Ronaldo were teammates at the Camp Nou.
"Maybe some people will say Maradona, Ronaldo ... I don't know," said Prosinecki. "There are extraordinary players. They are from two different eras. For me he [Messi] is the best."
According to Prosinecki, Messi and Brazilian Ronaldo are players who have shown themselves capable and willing to take on the team alone.
"They are different from the others. Ronaldo is definitely one of the best," said Prosinecki.
"Some people will say Cristiano Ronaldo, but [Brazilian Ronaldo] doesn't just play at Barcelona.
"He's also had some great seasons at Inter. He beat rivals almost alone. Incredible. They are players who make the difference. At Real Madrid too. When does he not make a difference?
"For sure he is a great player. However, if I have to say it, for me the best is Leo Messi."
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