Pedro reserves special praise for Messi - Source: Getty
Pedro reserves special praise for Messi - Source: Getty
Former Barcelona forward Pedro has shared why he considers Lionel Messi as a more special footballer than his ex-teammates Ronaldinho, Neymar and Eden Hazard.
The Spaniard came up through the ranks at Camp Nou, sharing the training pitch with Ronaldinho, before playing alongside Lionel Messi, Neymar and then with Hazard after he joined Chelsea in 2015.
Despite playing with such incredibly talented footballers throughout his career, Pedro believes Lionel Messi is 'one-of-a-kind' due to his ability to call the shots on the pitch even at this age.
The Argentine superstar reached the FIFA World Cup final in 2026 and Pedro insists that only the best player in the world can do the same at 39 years old. In an interview with SPORT after announcing his retirement, Pedro stated:
“Because he’s a one-of-a-kind footballer. He’s proven it with his statistics, but the fact is that in every match he plays, he continues to prove it to this day.
“He’s reaching a World Cup at that age and is still one of the best. And because he’s such a complete player, I don’t think there’s anyone quite like him."
Pedro also added that Lionel Messi is still a game-changer for any team he plays for and saluted the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner for making the difference on the pitch all the time. He commented:
“He scores goals, he’s got vision, he’s a dribbler, he’s a game-changer and makes the difference in every match. With a pass, a goal… You always feel his presence on the pitch and he’s the one calling the shots at all times.
“There’s no question about it. I don’t think I’ve ever played alongside players like him. I’ve played with some incredible players – Ronaldinho, Neymar, Hazard at Chelsea – all of a very high standard."
Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina during the international break earlier this month. La Albiceleste bid an emotional farewell to their talismanic leader in Buenos Aires as they beat Benin 3-0 in the friendly game.
Lionel Messi in sparkling form for Inter Miami despite international retirement
Since returning to the MLS after his farewell game for Argentina, Messi has impressed for Inter Miami. The star forward scored twice in the win over DC United and bagged an assist in the Herons' triumph over New York City.
The 39-year-old is now the leading goalscorer and the player with the most assists in the MLS this season. He has scored 23 goals and registered 14 assists in 26 games.
Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference table and trail leaders Nashville by 14 points. They next face Atlanta United away from home.