Did Messi say Real Madrid is the best?

Messi Tips Real Madrid as Best — But With a Twist

When asked who he considers the best team in the world today, Lionel Messi didn’t hesitate — but his answer came with a characteristically balanced perspective.

"The best team is Real Madrid. They are the last Champions League champion," Messi said. Now playing for Inter Miami, the Argentine legend has lost none of his diplomatic precision. "If it is due to results, it's Madrid," he added, acknowledging the weight of silverware in any debate about footballing supremacy.

Real Madrid’s triumph in the 2022 final against Liverpool still echoes in European football, and despite a shifting landscape, Messi’s respect for consistency and success remains clear. But true to his footballing soul, he didn’t stop there.

When it comes to style and substance, Messi shifted gears. If the choice were based on quality of play, he said, then Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City would be his pick. It’s a nod to the Cityzens’ dazzling, possession-driven football — a philosophy not unlike the Barcelona of his own heyday.

What stands out isn’t just the distinction between results and aesthetics, but how Messi continues to see the game in layers. He’s never been one to give praise without nuance. For him, being the “best” depends on the lens you use — whether it’s the cold reality of the final whistle or the artistry that unfolds across 90 minutes.

That balance — respect for achievement, love for the beautiful game — is what makes Messi’s voice resonate beyond rivalry or loyalty. In a football world often divided by club allegiances, his words remind us that greatness can wear different colors, play different tempos, and still be worthy of admiration.