Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry don't want to debate Lionel Messi
Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry expressed their admiration for Lionel Messi, emphasizing the importance of enjoying his talent instead of debating his place in football history.
Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thierry Henry no longer want to debate whether Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time. On FOX's pre-match show ahead of Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria on Tuesday, Henry said: "In my opinion, it needs to stop. We'll see Cristiano tomorrow. I think we shouldn't separate the greats. We should celebrate them."
Ibrahimović and Henry don't claim Messi is the greatest player of all time, but they also have never seen, or played with, anyone like him. Ibrahimović said: "I don't believe we will have another Messi, because he is special. He is natural. It feels like the game has been built for him. Everything he touches turns to gold. And he has a team ready to sacrifice for him. Him winning another World Cup will not change his status as the greatest. It's just another trophy in the collection."
Messi and Argentina will participate in the 2026 World Cup with the goal of defending the title. At the 2022 World Cup, Messi scored seven goals and three assists, winning the Golden Shoe award. He scored two goals in the final to help Argentina overcome France. Messi ranks first in goals and assists for the Argentina National Team. There's not much more he can do to cement his place in history. In fact, his presence at the 2026 World Cup is a luxury as many believe he will leave after winning the 2022 World Cup. "We enjoy him," Ibrahimović said. "We've played with him. And as long as he's playing, we should enjoy his talent."
Even though Ibrahimović, Henry and Messi only shared the pitch at Barcelona for one season, the trio certainly have infinite respect for each other, especially for the one who is still wearing his boots on the field.
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