Ballon d’Or Winner Lionel Messi Sings High Praise for France Legend Zidane in Open Confession

• Lionel Messi paid homage to iconic French footballer, Zinedine Zidane
• The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner confessed his admiration for the former football maestro
• The pair share several commonalities as individuals and footballers

Lionel Messi recently took the opportunity to commend the illustrious career of Zinedine Zidane, expressing his profound admiration for the legendary French footballer.

Despite not sharing the same team or national affiliation, the two football icons have maintained remarkable regard for each other throughout their careers.

In a candid conversation between the two celebrated figures, Messi openly confessed his deep-seated appreciation for Zidane, recognizing him as one of the foremost greats to have graced the sport.

The 36-year-old, who concluded his nearly two-decade tenure in Europe by joining MLS side Inter Miami this summer, paid homage to Zidane's remarkable contributions to the football world.

"I admire you very much. We didn't have the chance to play together, but we faced each other, and you as a coach and me as a player. I have always respected you and admired everything you did and continue to do," Messi said, as quoted by MadridXtra.

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Similarities shared by Messi and Zidane

While their paths as footballers and individuals never intersected, Messi and Zidane share numerous parallels.

They have both experienced the highs and lows of World Cup finals, with Messi recently securing Argentina's first global triumph since 1986 in the 2022 World Cup, redeeming his near miss in 2014.

Conversely, Zidane led France to its inaugural World Cup victory in 1998, only to face heartbreak against Italy in 2006, marking the conclusion of his illustrious professional career.

Beyond their national and club football triumphs, the two icons have each claimed the most esteemed individual honour in the sport, the Ballon d'Or, with Messi recently clinching his record-extending eighth title.

As authoritative figures, both Messi and Zidane have exemplified humility, sportsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to the growth and triumph of their respective teams, per Medium.

These traits have undoubtedly contributed to the widespread respect, acclaim, and adoration they have garnered globally.

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Messi vs. Ronaldo: Zidane picks his GOAT

Sports Brief also reported that Zidane acknowledged the superiority of another player over himself.

In an earlier assessment of the perpetual 'greatest of all time' discourse, the former French maestro offered insights that have recently regained attention.

During a prior discussion, the ex-French international was tasked with choosing between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and he outlined the reasons why he believed the Portuguese star surpassed the Argentine.